Abstract This disclosure relates to a low temperature circuit element exhibiting radio frequency or AC Josephson effects comprising a member constructed of metal capable of superconductivity at low temperatures and a second member constructed of a metal that is normal or nonsuperconductive. One of the members has a generally flat surface and the other has a tapered end either in the form of a point or a line positioned in contact with the flat surface. The disclosure also relates to the method of constructing a low temperature circuit element which comprises taking a material exhibiting superconducting effects when cooled to a critical temperature and another material of the normal or nonsuperconductive type. A flat surface is formed on the one member, while a tapered end, either in the form of a point or knife edge, is formed on the other. The members are cooled to a temperature equal to or below the critical temperature of the superconductive material. The member having the tapered end is then moved into engagement with the flat surface in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the flat surface.
A low temperature circuit exhibiting Josephson effects comprising a first metal member and a second metal member, one of said members being constructed of a material that is superconductive at cryogenic temperatures, the second member being constructed of a material that is normal or nonsuperconductive, one of said members having a flat surface and the other of said members having a tapered end positioned in contact with said flat surface to form a small area contact.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
76 words
A low temperature circuit exhibiting Josephson effects comprising a first metal member and a second metal member, one of said members being constructed of a material that is superconductive at cryogenic temperatures, the second member being constructed of a material that is normal or nonsuperconductive, one of said members having a flat surface and the other of said members having a tapered end positioned in contact with said flat surface to form a small area contact.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination of claim 1 in which the member having the tapered end is constructed of the material that is superconductive at cryogenic temperatures.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The combination of claim 2 in which said member having the tapered end is constructed of niobium and said other member is constructed of nickel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The combination of claim 2 in which said member having the tapered end is constructed of tantalum and said other member is constructed of copper.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combination of claim 1 in which the tapered end is formed in a point having a diameter of several microns when in contact with said flat surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The combination of claim 1 in which the tapered end is formed in a knife edge having a width of several microns when in contaCt with said flat surface.