Abstract: A weak link is patterned from a high-temperature superconducting film using standard lithographic techniques. Once the area in which the weak link is to be located is defined, the remainder of the film is covered with an oxygen-impermeable material. The oxygen is then removed in the weak link area by placing the sample in a vacuum furnace at a sufficient temperature to drive out the oxygen. Once the oxygen is removed, the weak link becomes non-superconducting. A high power solid state laser is placed in front of the weak link, and superconductivity is restored in the weak link area, in situ. The process is performed in a liquid nitrogen environment.