Supercurrent device for controlling mobile flux vortices

Abstract

In an elongated weak-link supercurrent transmission line, the propagation of mobile flux vortices can be either enhanced or impeded by control means comprising a normal metal segment which interrupts either superconductor in the direction of vortex propagation and a control current source connected to the line at a point in operative relation to the normal metal segment. The control means either enhances or impedes the propagation of a vortex depending on the direction of the control current relative to that of the supercurrent associated with the vortex. The control means may also include a portion of the line in which its width is varied in order to change the velocity of the vortices. Also described is a switching device in which the transmission line is bifurcated and control means is located in each path to selectively block or transmit vortices, as well as a memory device in which the transmission line is formed in a closed loop and the normal metal segment serves to prevent the creation of anti-vortices in the loop.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.