Electrically Tunable Multiterminal SQUID-on-Tip

Nano Lett. 2016 Nov 9;16(11):6910-6915. doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.6b02841. Epub 2016 Oct 13.

Abstract

We present a new nanoscale superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) whose interference pattern can be shifted electrically in situ. The device consists of a nanoscale four-terminal-four-junction SQUID fabricated at the apex of a sharp pipet using a self-aligned three-step deposition of Pb. In contrast to conventional two-terminal-two-junction SQUIDs that display optimal sensitivity when flux biased to about a quarter of the flux quantum, the additional terminals and junctions allow optimal sensitivity at arbitrary applied flux, thus eliminating the magnetic field "blind spots". We demonstrate spin sensitivity of 5 to 8 μB/Hz1/2 over a continuous field range of 0 to 0.5 T with promising applications for nanoscale scanning magnetic imaging.

Keywords: SQUID-on-tip; Superconducting quantum interference device; current-phase relations; nanoscale magnetic imaging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't