HTS YBCO Resonator Configuration with Coplanar Optimized Flux Concentrator Strongly Coupled to rf SQUID

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel superconducting flux concentrator integrated with coplanar resonators for enhanced coupling to HTS rf-SQUIDs, evaluated through simulations and experimental fabrication, achieving high quality factors and strong coupling at GHz frequencies.

Contribution

The study introduces a new flux concentrator design combined with optimized resonator configurations, demonstrating improved coupling and quality factors for HTS rf-SQUID applications.

Findings

Spiral resonator achieved a quality factor of 5900.

Strongest coupling of -0.5 dB at 836 MHz.

Optimized flux concentrator enhances flux transformation efficiency.

Abstract

We developed a novel magnetic coupling module formed of a monolayer superconducting flux concentrator, which is integrated with a coplanar resonator strongly coupled to HTS rf-SQUID. Three types of resonators, including a long stripline resonator between input loop and pick-up loop of the flux concentrator, a complementary split ring resonator (CSRR), and also a spiral shape inside the input loop are explored. The resonance quality factors as well as the coupling to the SQUID of different patterns of these three types of the resonators is evaluated using Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations. Several readout methods to couple the electronic system to the resonators are tested, including inductive (coil) and capacitive (transmission line) couplings, and the optimum readout is reported for each of the resonators. Among the evaluated resonator types, a spiral shape resonator with optimal design showing the highest quality factor (5900) together with the strongest coupling to the SQUID (-0.5 dB) at resonance frequency of 836 MHz, is fabricated using 200 nm thick superconducting YBCO on a 1 mm thick crystalline LaAlO3 substrate. The flux concentrator of the module is optimized by the variation of its linewidths and also its input loop radius to obtain maximum flux transformation efficiency.