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Microsoft patents SQUID design that tunes sensors with parallel magnets

Microsoft has been granted a patent for a specific layout of superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), which are extremely sensitive magnetic field sensors. The design uses a magnet that applies a magnetic field parallel to the chip's surface, rather than perpendicular to it, to control the sensor's sensitivity. This arrangement is intended to reduce background noise in the measurements.

Why it mattersThis is a specialized improvement for high-precision scientific instruments, such as those used in quantum computing or medical imaging, rather than a consumer gadget.

In the filing’s own words

A system comprises a substrate having a planar surface; a first magnet configured to apply a first magnetic field parallel to the planar surface; a circuit arranged on the planar surface; and a superconducting quantum interference device, SQUID, operably linked to the circuit. The SQUID comprises a Josephson junction arranged in a superconductive loop. The superconductive loop includes a portion which extends perpendicular to the planar surface and is orientated such that the SQUID is tuneable by the first magnet. By allowing the SQUID to be tuned using a magnetic field which is parallel to the planar surface, a reduction in flux noise may be achieved. Also provided are a method of operating a SQUID, and a SQUID.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A system comprising: a substrate having a planar surface; a first magnet configured to apply a first magnetic field parallel to the planar surface; a circuit arranged on the planar surface; and a superconducting quantum interference device, SQUID, operably linked to the circuit, wherein the SQUID comprises a Josephson junction arranged in a superconductive loop; and wherein the superconductive loop includes a portion which extends perpendicular to the planar surface and is orientated such that the SQUID is tuneable by the first magnet.

Facts

Company
Microsoft (Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC)
Official title
Superconducting quantum interference devices and uses thereof
Patent number
US12733408B2
Application number
18043566
Filed
Sep 18, 2020
Granted
Sep 8, 2026
Inventors
2
Claims
20

Classified under

H10N 60/12 Electricity & electronicsG06N 10/40 Physics & computingH03K 17/92 Electricity & electronicsH10N 60/128 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.