Search

The SQUID Bootstrap Circuit (SBC) for direct-coupled readout of SQUID signals in voltage bias mode was recently demonstrated. In addition to the conventional dc SQUID, the SBC incorporates a shunt resistor Rs, and two coils coupled to the SQUID via mutual inductances M1 and M2. In this paper, basic equations of SBC are formulated based on its equivalent circuit model. The expression of equivalent flux noise from the preamplifier is also given. The effect of the three adjustable parameters (M1, M2 and Rs) on the characteristics of SBC and the preamplifier noise suppression are numerically simulated. The SBC combines current and voltage feedbacks in one circuit, allowing for an effective suppression of the preamplifier voltage noise through increased flux-current transfer coefficient and dynamic resistance. In contrast to other direct-coupled schemes, it offers not only a good noise performance, but also tolerance to a wide range of adjustable parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently presented a direct readout technique for the dc Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID) without flux modulation (FM), operated in voltage bias mode, and named it the SQUID Bootstrap Circuit (SBC). The SBC combines additional voltage and current feedbacks to minimize the room-temperature preamplifier noise. The main point of this paper is to compare the flux noise performance of the SBC readout with that of the FM scheme using a sine wave modulation signal. Several liquid-helium-cooled SQUID magnetometers with different layouts and loop inductances were characterized using these two readout schemes. Measured noise was comparable to or even lower than that measured by FM electronics. Furthermore, the SBC noise performance was evaluated as function of resistance which, when properly adjusted, permits us to nearly fulfill the critical noise suppression condition. We believe SBC to be a promising candidate for multi-channel SQUID systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals of selected liquid samples were recorded using a nitrogen-cooled superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). The NMR measurements were performed at Larmor frequencies (fL) from 2 Hz to 40 kHz. The natural spectral linewidth of tap water could be measured in magnetic fields below 7 microtesla. To demonstrate the measurement sensitivity and resolution, J-coupling spectra of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol were recorded at different measurement fields, with signals separated by several hundreds of Hertz. An additional nitrogen-cooled tuned LC-circuit and a signal recovery procedure involving a π/2 AC pulse were applied in the higher fL region (>10 kHz) to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio up to one order of magnitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of low-frequency magnetic field disturbances on SQUID based low field (LF) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements is investigated. Two types of sinusoidal fields, a homogenous field and a linear gradient field, were applied as artificial disturbance sources. The influences on the free induction decay (FIB) signals as well as on the spectra are discussed. The homogeneous disturbance field caused a frequency modulation of the FID signal. The measured spectra were found to be in good agreement with calculated traces obtained from a solution to the Bloch equation. The gradient disturbance field yielded an amplitude-modulated FID signal. In both cases, frequency mixing lines were observed. It is shown that for disturbances at the power line-frequency and harmonics, the influence on the NMR spectra is negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have demonstrated and verified the basic feasibility of performing magnetocardiographic (MCG) measurements without magnetic shielding when using a first-order electronic gradiometer with our novel dielectric substrate resonator rf SQUID's. The setup at the operation site involved adjustment of the gradiometer's baseline length and adaptive balancing. Our experimental portable system was tested in three environments differing in the level of electromagnetic interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on superconducting electronic products and their increasing availability in the market. Superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometers and susceptometers; SQUID instruments for materials science, physical research and geomagnetic measurements; Analog filters for cellular telephony.