Step edge YBa2Cu3O7−δ dc SQUIDs on sapphire substrates

We have made YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) thin film dc superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) on sapphire substrates that operate above 77 K. The YBCO thin films are free of weak links and have critical current densities (Jc) of 106 A/cm2 at 77 K. Across the step edge, typical Jc ranges from 105 to 103 A/cm2 at 77 K and increases linearly with decreasing temperature. Typically, we obtain IcRn products near 30 μV at 77 K. We have operated the dc SQUIDs between 4.2 and 77 K and observed voltage modulation in rough agreement with the expected values. The flux noise is typically 1×10−10 Φ20/Hz, with a corresponding noise energy, SE, of 1.3×10−29 J/Hz at 77 K and 1 kHz.