High frequency direction-finding system based on high-Tc Ion-Damaged Josephson Junction SQUID arrays

ABSTRACT: The overall goal of this project is to develop a small size, weight and power Direction Finding (DF) system based on SQUID array technology. High sensitivity, linearity, wide bandwidth of SQUID arrays antenna sensors will be enable close spacing of smaller antennas even for HF range. The SQUID arrays will be fabricated using high-temperature superconductor ion damaged Josephson junction fabrication process suitable for integration of large number of SQUID devices on a single chip. This would afford the use of small size robust 70K cryocoolers and will make overall system suitable for airborne deployment. HYPRES and University of California team will design, simulate, fabricate and test SQUID arrays based on conventional SQUID cells and novel bi-SQUID cells. We will develop an optimal design for 2D arrays with area distribution to achieve the highest linearity. The ion-damage junction process will be perfected to reduce fabrication spread and achieve high integration density. The overall design of HF DF system will be analyzed to achieve the highest angular accuracy while minimizing the system footprint. BENEFIT: The developed compact SQUID array-based antenna technology can be used for wireless communication networks, mobile satellite communications, secure point-to-point microwave links, biomagnetic sensors, medical imaging, and geomagnetic prospecting.