High-Tc Superconducting Electronic Devices Based on YBCO Step-Edge Grain Boundary Junctions

We outline a number of high temperature superconducting Josephson junction-based devices including superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) developed for a wide range of applications including geophysical exploration, magnetic anomaly detection, terahertz (THz) imaging and microwave communications. All these devices are based on our patented technology for fabricating YBCO step-edge junction on MgO substrates. A key feature to the successful application of devices based on this technology is good stability, long term reliability, low noise and inherent flexibility of locating junctions anywhere on a substrate. key words: Josephson junction, grain boundary step edge junction, high temperature superconductor, SQUID, THz imaging, mineral exploration, magnetic anomaly detection, unexploded ordnance detection, microwave devices