Single flux quantum circuit

Client
NIST
Year
2018
Type
technical illustration
Field
superconducting electronics
Links
NIST news
Description
Illustration of quantized magnetic-flux pulses moving through a superconducting circuit used to generate precise signals.

Context

The story described a NIST circuit that uses single flux quantum pulses to generate high-frequency signals with very precise timing. The device relies on Josephson junctions and exact units of magnetic flux rather than a conventional analog waveform.

Approach

The image treats the circuit as a simplified path for discrete flux pulses. The design makes the junction sequence and the moving quantized signal visible without relying on a full circuit schematic.

Early sketch of the flux path.
Early visual directions for the circuit graphic.