Quantum-based Mechanical Force Realization in Pico-Newton Range

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel method for realizing extremely small mechanical forces in the pico-Newton range using flux quantization in superconducting rings, enabling precise force control.

Contribution

It presents a new approach to generate pico-Newton forces by controlling flux quanta in superconducting annuli, addressing stability against thermal fluctuations.

Findings

Force step of 184 fN estimated for specified Nb annulus

Method achieves pico-Newton force realization with flux quantization

Addresses thermal stability of the force realization system

Abstract

We propose mechanical force realization based on flux quantization in the pico-Newton range. By controlling the number of flux quantum in a superconducting annulus, a force can be created as integer multiples of a constant step. For a 50 nm-thick Nb annulus with the inner and outer radii of 5 $\mu$m and 10 $\mu$m, respectively, and the field gradient of 10 T/m the force step is estimated to be 184 fN. The stability against thermal fluctuations is also addressed.