Sub-flux quantum generator

A superconducting device comprising an outer structure and an inner structure, wherein

• said outer structure comprises a superconducting ring that encompasses all or a portion of said inner structure, the superconducting ring including a Josephson junction;
• and
• said inner structure includes an N-turn ring, said N-turn ring comprising a plurality of connected turns about a common aperture, wherein a width T50 of each respective turn in said plurality of connected turns exceeds the London penetration depth of the superconducting material used to make the respective turn.

A method of trapping a quantized magnetic flux in an N-turn ring, wherein said N-turn ring comprises a plurality of connected turns about a common aperture, the method comprising:

• introducing a localized break in a turn in said plurality of connected turns, said localized break interrupting a supercurrent in a portion of said turn, thereby inducing a quantized magnetic flux in said common aperture;
• and
• restoring supercurrent in said portion of said turn by removing said localized break in said turn, thereby trapping said quantized magnetic flux in said common aperture.

A superconducting device comprising an outer structure means and an inner structure means, wherein

• said outer structure means comprises a superconducting ring that encompasses all or a portion of said inner structure, the superconducting ring including a Josephson junction;
• and
• said inner structure means includes an N-turn ring, said N-turn ring comprising a plurality of connected turns about a common aperture, wherein a width T50 of each respective turn in said plurality of connected turns exceeds the London penetration depth of the superconducting material used to make the respective turn.