Superconductor electronics, 1986-1996

This paper reviews progress in superconductor electronics over the decade since the discovery of the high temperature oxide superconductors (HTS). Almost simultaneously with that discovery was the development of a new process for low temperature superconductor (LTS) devices based on the Nb/AlOx/Mb whole wafer tunnel junction. Both of these developments facilitated a strong growth in applications. We review first the applications based on thin films with no Josephson junctions. This is mostly using HTS, which permits more convenient cooling thus making applications mere commercially viable. With their need for only one or two Josephson junctions, SQUID magnetometers have succeeded to the market place using HTS materials. Finally, we review progress in the volt standard and digital circuits, both of which require large numbers of junctions and at present can only be realized with LTS materials.