High Transition Temperature SQUID Arrays for HF Direction Finding

ABSTRACT: Superconductor Technologies Inc. (STI) in collaboration with the laboratories of Professor R. C. Dynes at UC San Diego and UC Berkeley, propose to thoroughly explore using arrays of superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID) for high frequency (HF) direction finding (DF) signals intelligence (SIGINT). The primary focus of our research program will be on the development of the superconducting components, namely the SQUID array and receive antenna. SQUID arrays and a test coil will be built using STI superconducting materials. In parallel, we will perform the other necessary studies for the development of a prototype system such as evaluating the noise performance of a SQUID array operating on a STI cryocooler and testing of high speed SQUID read-out electronics. We believe that the results of these experiments will enable a much improved DF technology for a possible phase II prototype unit. BENEFIT: We anticipate a significant number of benefits from this research. Those directly related to a DF system include: * Reduced antenna size for mobile platforms and stealth aircraft * Larger dynamic range to enhance detectibly of small signals in the presence of large interferences In addition, our work on Josephson junctions may benefit other prospective active superconducting devices such as Josephson waveform generators for RADAR or Josephson terahertz oscillators. Furthermore, coils fabricated from high-Tc coated conductors may benefit sensitive bio-magnetic medical imaging such as magneto-cardiogram (MCG).