Operation of a high-TC SQUID gradiometer with a two-stage MEMS-based Joule–Thomson micro-cooler. (8th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kalabukhov, Alexey; de Hoon, Erik-Jan; Kuit, Kristiaan; Lerou, Pieter-Paul P P M; Chukharkin, Maxim; Schneiderman, Justin F; Sepehri, Sobhan; Sanz-Velasco, Anke; Jesorka, Aldo; Winkler, Dag
• Is Part Of: Superconductor science & technology. Volume 29:Number 9(2016:Sep.)
• Publication Date: 2016-08-08
• Subjects: superconducting quantum interference device -- micro-coolers -- high-TC planar SQUID gradiometers; Superconductivity -- Periodicals; Superconductors -- Periodicals; 537.623
• DOI: 10.1088/0953-2048/29/9/095014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0953-2048

Abstract

Abstract: Practical applications of high- T C superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) require cheap, simple in operation, and cryogen-free cooling. Mechanical cryo-coolers are generally not suitable for operation with SQUIDs due to their inherent magnetic and vibrational noise. In this work, we utilized a commercial Joule–Thomson microfluidic two-stage cooling system with base temperature of 75 K. We achieved successful operation of a bicrystal high- T C SQUID gradiometer in shielded magnetic environment. The micro-cooler head contains neither moving nor magnetic parts, and thus does not affect magnetic flux noise of the SQUID even at low frequencies. Our results demonstrate that such a microfluidic cooling system is a promising technology for cooling of high- T C SQUIDs in practical applications such as magnetic bioassays.