Laser Activated Superconducting Switch.
Abstract
The patent application relates to a superconducting switch or bistable device comprising a superconductor in a cryogen maintaining a temperature just below the transition temperature, having a window of the proper optical frequency band for passing a laser beam which may impinge on the superconductor when desired. The frequency of the laser is equal to or greater than the optical absorption frequency of the superconducting material and consistent with the ratio of gap energy of the switch material to Planck's constant to cause depairing of electrons and thereby normalizing the superconductor. Some embodiments comprise first and second superconducting metals. Other embodiments feature the two superconducting metals separated by a thin film insulator through which the superconducting electrons tunnel during superconductivity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 16, 1974
- Accession Number
- ADD001180
Entities
People
- Alfred A. Wolf
Organizations
- United States Department of the Navy