Abstract: A miniaturized SQUID module (10), notably for multi-channel magnetometers, for measurement of varying magnetic fields in a field strength range below 10.sup.-10 T, includes superconducting and shielded connections between a SQUID chip (19) and a gradiometer (12). The module can be mounted in the lower part of a cryostat and enables a large number of measurement points per unit of surface area. The SQUID chip (19) is arranged on a fully shielded supporting plate (18) which has a width of only a few millimeters and which is provided with electronic circuitry (23), the SQUID chip (19) being connected in a superconducting manner, at least by soldering, to the wires (11) of the gradiometer (12) via a superconducting, solderable and bondable intermediate support (27).

Abstract: A superconducting gradiometer for measuring weak magnetic fields for a measuring device comprising a SQUID (Superconductive Quantum Interference Devices), a gradiometer coil, a coupling coil, a cryosystem and a signal processing device, in which the well-defined gradient of a magnetic field to be measured is detected by means of the gradiometer. A coil of the gradiometer is made of superconducting wire, arranged about a carrier body in axial and circumferential grooves cut in the carrier body, the grooves being coated with a superconducting thin film. The thin film in the circumferential grooves is interrupted by slots. The wire in the respective circumferential grooves comprises loops wound in opposing directions connected by a twisted pair of connecting leads secured in the axial groove.