Flux Penetration Effects in High-Tc SQUIDs

Abstract

Two experiments pertaining to the effects of intergranular flux penetration in high-Tc yttrium-barium-copper oxide (YBCO) SQUIDs are described. The first is a direct measurement of the flux noise of bulk YBCO exposed to the earth's magnetic field, and the second involves the fabrication and testing of break junction d.c. SQUIDs. Implications of a number of undesirable effects seen in these experiments are discussed.