Properties of YBaCuO thin film single-level dc SQUIDs fabricated using step-edge junctions

A quantitative comparison study of single-level step-edge junction-based SQUIDs and bicrystal-substrate-based SQUIDs is given. Similar SQUID performance was found in terms of white flux noise level and junction-critical-current-related 1/f noise. Excess current was found in most step-edge devices. Issues related to systems applications, such as magnetic field-induced noise, junction cyclability upon repeated use, and environmental stability of oxide-metal contacts are also discussed.<
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