High frequency (HF) direction-finding (DF) system based on an array of high-Tc superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs)

ABSTRACT: In Phase I, we will analyze and design a physically small superconducting antenna for HF DF. We will develop a set of target antenna specifications. We will model and simulate a superconducting antenna for this application, including control electronics. We will complete an array design and device fabrication. We will measure noise properties of high-Tc ion-damage junction SQUID arrays. We will gather enough information to estimate the technical risk. We will then have all of the building blocks to fabricate and test arrays in Phase II, so that the scaling behavior can be investigated. BENEFIT: Military Application: Microwave Communication Systems for ISR. Commercial Application: Magnetometer technology, such as satellite communications and biomagnetic detectors for magnetocardiography (MCG)