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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Laser activated superconducting switch

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7347779
A superconducting switch or bistable device is described consisting of 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 is consistent with the ratio of the gap energy of the switch material to Planck's constant, to cause depairing of electrons, and thereby normalize 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.
Assignee:
Secretary of the Navy
Patent Number(s):
US 3956727
OSTI ID:
7347779
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English