Ultra-Low Heat-Leak YBCO Superconducting Leads for Cryoelectronic Applications

The overall goal of this project is to develop multiline patterned YBCO leads on commercially available flexible substrates, and show that these leads can be used to deliver the low currents and signals necessary for 4K superconducting electronics to operate with a dramatically reduced thermal load. The project will focus on depositing YBCO thick films on yttria stabilized zirconia flexible sheets that are thin enough to conduct little heat. A key problem to solve is to find a workable diffusion barrier that would allow in-situ reaction of the cuprate material without cross-contamination or excessive heat transport. The method will allow patterning of conductor lines which are size-compatible with conventional PCB technology. Extensive testing will be done at DC and RF frequencies, on a two-stage cryocooler and in vacuum.