Systems and methods for detecting current using a kinetic inductance magnetic current imager

A system for characterizing current of an operating device under test (DUT), the system comprising:

• a superconducting sensor;
• a cryocooler configured to dispose the superconducting sensor in spaced relationship to the operating DUT, the spaced relationship inducing a magnetic field in the superconductor sensor;
• a vacuum chamber enclosing the superconducting sensor and the operating DUT;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• inject a signal into the superconducting sensor;
• determine a property of the superconducting sensor based on the injected signal;
• determine a change in the property of the superconducting sensor resulting from the induced magnetic field;
• and
• estimate current of the operating DUT based on the change in the property of the superconducting sensor,
• wherein the induced magnetic field is based on the spaced relationship, current of the operating DUT, and the injected signal.