SQUID Magnetic Sensor with an Operational Amplifier

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a highly simplified SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) magnetic sensor circuit that uses only a single low-noise operational amplifier (op-amp) instead of the traditional combination of a preamplifier and integrator for magnetic flux measurement. The SQUID signal is amplified in open-loop mode, with the op-amp directly driving a feedback resistor and coil, thus simplifying the SQUID magnetic flux locked loop. Multiple wiring configurations are possible, making the design versatile and compact, which is especially beneficial for multi-channel SQUID sensor systems.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Biomedical imaging equipment such as magnetoencephalography (MEG) and magnetocardiography (MCG) systems for brain and heart studies.
• Ultra-sensitive magnetometers for geophysical exploration, detecting minute magnetic field changes associated with oil, gas, or mineral prospects.
• Fundamental physics research involving quantum phenomena or measurement of weak magnetic fields.
• High-channel-count SQUID sensor arrays for advanced scanning and imaging devices.
• Industrial nondestructive testing using sensitive magnetic field detection.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly reduced electronic circuit complexity, allowing for easier manufacturing and maintenance.
• Lower power consumption and smaller circuit footprint, enabling higher-density multi-channel sensor integration.
• Improved signal bandwidth and response speed due to the elimination of the integrator and reduction of loop delays.
• Enhanced reliability and lower noise performance by minimizing the number of active components.
• Easier circuit debugging and adjustment with fewer components and simplified configuration options.
• Cost savings achieved by reducing component count and simplifying assembly.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to an SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) magnetic sensor with a single operational amplifier. The SQUID magnetic sensor is characterized in that an SQUID voltage signal is amplified in an open loop mode through the operational amplifier which is low in noise and a feedback resistor and a feedback coil are directly driven by the open loop output of the single operational amplifier; a preamplifier and an integrator which are arranged in the traditional magnetic flux locking loop are replaced; an SQUID magnetic flux locking loop with the single operational amplifier comprises a positive end input wiring mode and a negative end input wiring mode and the positive end input wiring mode and the negative end input wiring mode comprise three optional forms respectively. According to the SQUID magnetic sensor with the single operational amplifier, the SQUID magnetic flux locking loop is achieved only through the single operational amplifier and accordingly the circuit is simple; the integrator which is arranged in the traditional circuit is avoided and accordingly the loop delay is reduced and the higher bandwidth of the magnetic flux locking loop is achieved; the significance in the SQUID multi-channel application is important.