Low Loss Cryogenic Switching for Electronic Warfare

High temperature superconducting (HTSC) materials offer the potential for major cost and performance advantages in advanced high frequency communications and radar sytems. Key to the use of these materials in subsystems is the fabrication of components, especially low loss switches, which can replace standard components. Advanced Technology Materials, Inc., in conjunction with Harris Corporation, has designed a unique low loss, broad band HTSC cryogenic switch for direct insertion into existing electronic warfare microwave receivers. The fabrication of this switch will allow the construction and testing of a phased array antenna and its eventual insertion into commercial superconducting microwave systems.