APPLICATION OF SUPERCONDUCTORS in Electronics, Communications and Computing
November 15 - 16, 2001 • Seaport Hotel and Conference Center • Boston, MA USA
[ Overview | Agenda | Call for Posters | Register ]
Overview
The Superconductors conference will take place as scheduled.Our deepest sympathy's go out to the people involved in the widespread tragedy of Tuesday, September 11, 2001. There are no words to describe the senselessness of this horrible act. Our thoughts are with the families at this time.Sincerely,
Craig Wohlers
PresidentSuperconductivity is among the most important discoveries of the century in physics and materials science, however, technological issues, operational complexities and high cost are among the main barriers to advancing superconducting electronic systems into the marketplace. This program will address what is needed for superconductivity to become a commercially viable electronic technology. In addition, our speakers will present the distinctions between government-based and commercial application strategies and the proper timing to market for "Commercial-Of-The-Shelf" superconducting electronic products. These and many other issues will be addressed by this international assembly of experts highlighting major achievements and challenges of superconducting electronics for: Medical applications • Impact of heart diagnostics by magnetocardiography on healthcare
• SQUID applications to whole - cortex magnetoencephalography
• SQUID magnetometers for applications in magnetically distributed environment Advanced communication systems • Prospects for digital superconductor microelectronics in wireless communications
• HTS front-ends systems in 3-G mobile communications
• Superconducting optoelectronics for ultra fast telecommunications
• Cryogenic front-ends for wireless base stations Digital and analog electronic devices and computing • Digital superconducting electronics: applications and challenges
• Advanced superconducting devices for high-performance computing
• RSFQ: the fastest digital technology
• Picosecond superconducting single-photon optical detectors
• Low-Tc three terminal devices
• Analog devices for military applications The evolution of new materials discovery in advancing superconducting electronics • Materials choices for superconducting electronics
• Superconductivity of MgB2 up to 42 K
• HTS films with controllable HF electromagnetic properties Don't miss this unique opportunity to join this outstanding gathering of leading experts in development and practical application of superconducting electronic systems! Register today!
Related Links
Atlantic Technology Ventures, Inc.
CardioMag Imaging Inc.
Conductus Inc.
CTF Systems Inc., A Subsidiary of VSM MedTech Ltd.
ISCO International
IOP Journal: Superconductor Science and Technology
OXXEL Oxide Electronics Technology
Tristan Technologies, Inc.
Agenda
Thursday, November 15, 20018:00 Registration, Poster/Exhibit Setup, Coffee and Pastries 8:50 Chairperson's Opening Remarks
Martin Nisenoff, PhD, Research Physicist, M. Nisenoff Associates SQUID9:00 SQUID Magnetometers for Applications in magnetically Distributed Environment
Thomas Schurig, DSc Nat, Head of Section
Cryosensors, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Germany Large and expensive multichannel low-Tc SQUID systems for neuromagnetic measurements instruments, require shielded rooms, and having up to about 300 SQUID channels are manufactured and sold only by handful companies worldwide. Outside this particular medical approach, a number of potential markets for SQUIDs became visible along with the improvement of high-Tc SQUIDs in recent years:
(i) non-destructive evaluation;
(ii) concrete corrosion inspection;
(iii) magnetic microscopy;
(iv) magnetocardiography;
(v) energy dispersive X-ray analysis with SC sensors.
In contrast to the multichannel systems, these applications can be enabled by <10 SQUID channels sensor heads. SMEs attracted by development and commercialisation of such instruments are hindered by costly technology for superconducting device fabrication. Therefore foundry services provided by large academic or governmental institutes, e.g. IPHT and PTB in Germany, are essential to supply superconducting devices, electronics and related expertise. These and other European institutions develop SQUID sensor equipment often in the framework of national or EU funded projects in which SMEs are involved. The status of SQUID technology for applications in real environment available in Europe today will be discussed and examples for commercialization will be given. 9:30 SQUID Applications to Whole-Cortex Magnetoencephalography
Stephen E. Robinson, PhD, Senior Scientist, CTF Systems Inc., A Subsidiary of VSM MedTech Ltd., Canada The Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a growing medical application. The modern MEG systems contain hundreds of SQUID channels and cover the whole cortex area. The brain signals are small in comparison with the environmental noise and necessitate the use of efficient noise reduction techniques. The noise is usually reduced by a combination of shielding and sophisticated noise cancellation methods, such as synthetic gradiometers, adaptive methods, beamformers, etc. The interpretation of signals measured by these large SQUID arrays also requires extensive processing based on advanced algorithms. For the noise cancelation methods and the data interpretation procedures to be effective, the SQUID sensors and electronics must meet stringent performance requirements, e.g., large dynamic range, good linearity, inter-channel matching, etc. 10:00 Impact of Heart Diagnostics by Magnetocardiography on Health Care
Alex I. Braginski, PhD, DSc, Vice President for Advanced Development, CardioMag Imaging, Inc. Noninvasive cardiac diagnostics by mapping, imaging and localizing of heart magnetic activity, is called magnetocardiography (MCG). Suitable MCG measuring systems utilizing arrays of SQUID (Superconducting QUantum Interference Device) sensors have a high potential for health care, especially if usable in hospital environments without expensive and inflexible magnetic shielded rooms. Viable models of such systems exist and are being tested in pre-clinical trials at various US and European hospital locations. Introduction of MCG diagnostics into routine clinical practice can improve patient outcomes, decrease mortality and risks, increase comfort and significantly reduce cost of health care. A roadmap to MCG acceptance and to a worldwide billion-dollar-level market will be presented. Obstacles will be discussed, and solution approaches proposed. 10:30 Refreshment Break, Exhibit / Poster Viewing
Materials Challenge11:00 Materials Choices for Superconducting Electronics
John M. Rowell, PhD, Materials Institute Professor, Northwestern University Discoveries of new superconductors have broadened the choice of materials for electronics applications. In established markets, materials choices have been made, e.g., HTS in wireless filters and Nb in MEG systems. Choices are more speculative in applications yet to impact the marketplace, e.g., in digital electronics, where today's circuit process is based predominantly on Nb. The attraction of more compact and efficient cryocoolers, and higher circuit speeds, encourages consideration of higher Tc materials, such as NbN, NbTiN, the A15 superconductors, organics, MgB2 and HTS. We will outline the advantages and disadvantages of these materials, particularly MgB2. As Tc increases, and cryocoolers increase in efficiency, materials become increasingly difficult to process into multilayer circuits. 11:30 Superconductivity of MgB2 up to 42 K
Sang-Wook Cheong, PhD, Professor, Dept Physics & Astronomy, Rutgers University and Bell Labs, Lucent Technologies We have optimized various preparation techniques for MgB2, including high-pressure synthesis and utilization of boron hydrides, and found that Tc of MgB2 can be as high as 42K. Origin of significant variation of Tc in different MgB2 materials will be discussed. 12:00 Open Discussion 12:15 Speaker Power Luncheon Sponsored by The Knowledge Foundation Don't miss the opportunity to meet one-on-one with our conference faculty. Delegates are invited to join participating speakers over luncheon to discuss today's "hot topic" SC electronics issues
1:45 Chairperson's Remarks
Alan W. Kleinsasser, PhD, Senior Member Technical Staff, Microdevices Laboratory, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology
Digital Electronics I1:50 Prospects for Digital Superconductor Microelectronics in Wireless Communications
Darren K. Brock, PhD, Director of Advanced Development, Hypres, Inc. The growing market pull for "beyond-2G" level performance in wireless communications provides an opportunity for new technologies in both RF, as well as baseband transceiver functions. A review of specific hurdles facing 3G/4G telecommunications systems are given, with the potential role of superconductor digital and mixed-signal integrated circuits placed in context. Topics include direct-downconversion (zero-IF) receivers, wideband multi-carrier transmitters, and programmable digital signal processors. Front End Technology2:20 Superior HTS Front Ends and System Demands in 3-G Mobile Communications
Heinz J. Chaloupka, PhD, Professor, Dept Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, University of Wuppertal, Germany The volumes of HTS preselect filter implementation in future 3-G mobile communications base stations depends on the provided benefit in terms of cost savings per call or data packet. HTS front ends provide superior selectivity and sensitivity and allow a higher functionality through the integration of more filter elements. These advantages on the component level are compared with system requirements in terms of capacity, coverage, etc. for the up- and downlink in order to draw conclusions with respect to the potential future market. 2:50 Refreshment Break, Exhibit / Poster Viewing 3:20 Growing Opportunities for HTS Front End Technology
Randy W. Simon, PhD, Vice President, Government Business; Chief Technical Officer, Conductus, Inc. The wireless infrastructure continues to grow and growing with it are the effects of out-of-band interference in urban suburban networks. For TDMA, GSM, and especially CDMA 2.5G and 3G systems, interference can significantly degrade capacity and data rates. Advanced HTS front-end technology has been shown to successfully address these problems in today's networks and advances in filter design offer solutions to problems to be faced by higher performance networks of the future. The same HTS front-end technology offers significant performance benefits in variety of government communications applications. 3:50 Cryogenic Front Ends for Wireless Base Stations
Stephen K. Remillard, PhD, Director of Engineering,
ISCO International Interference and noise reduce the performance of wireless networks, limiting the extent and quality of the wireless service. The introduction of cryogenics into the antenna chain of a wireless receiver opens the opportunity to mitigate close-in interference and to suppress thermal noise. This paper will illustrate the superconducting filters and cryocooled LNAs used to enhance the front-ends. Cluster trials with superconducting units in digital networks have also been performed. The improved performance of wireless networks will be demonstrated. 4:20 Selected Oral Poster Presentation and Discussion 5:00 End of Day One
Friday, November 16, 20018:00 Exhibit / Poster Viewing, Coffee and Pastries 8:55 Chairperson's Remarks
Alex I. Braginski, PhD, DSc, Vice President for Advanced Development, CardioMag Imaging, Inc.
Programs and Strategies9:00 What Is Needed for Superconductivity to Become a Commercially Viable Electronic Technology
Martin Nisenoff, PhD, Research Physicist, M. Nisenoff Associates Superconducting technologies suitable for practical commercial electronic and power applications have been available since the early 1960's but only low temperature superconducting magnets for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) applications has become a large viable commercial product. In this talk, the author will outline what he believes are the ingredients necessary to transition a superconducting electronic device from a laboratory curiosity into a viable commercial product. These include:
(1) manufacturable and controllable materials technologies;
(2) manufacturable, reproducible and controllable device and system;
(3) manufacturable, energy-efficient, reliable and low cost cryogenic refrigeration system;
(4) total system package - relatively small, energy efficient with user-friendly (transparent) cryogenic system;
(5) customer community that desperately demands the performance that can be provided by superconductivity. 9:30 Distinctions Between DoD and Commercial Applications of Superconducting Electronics
Deborah Van Vechten, PhD, Program Officer, Superconductivity, Office of Naval Research The high-speed clock speeds and high linearity of superconducting logic makes it a natural candidate for acceptance in advanced RF systems in the layers closest to the antennas. However, the 20-year life cycles of weapons and demanding deployment environment create problems not faced in the commercial sphere. In addition, the issues of cost and packaging constraints differ. These distinctions will be discussed. 10:00 Commercialization of Superconducting Electronics:
The Past 30 Years, the Next 30 Years
Robert L. Fagaly, PhD, Vice President, Tristan Technologies, Inc. Since the introduction of the Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) as a commercial product in 1970, superconducting electronics has created specialized market areas. The evolution of SQUID instrumentation in laboratory, geophysical, non-destructive testing and medical uses in commercial markets has been slow, but increasing. Specific barriers to entry and future prospects will be described. 10:30 Refreshment Break, Exhibit / Poster Viewing 11:00 Space Applications for HTS
Raafat Mansour, PhD, Senior Scientist, COM DEV International Ltd., Canada A consortium consisting of COM DEV, Lockheed Martin and DuPont has been formed to develop and space qualify integrated HTS subsystems for satellite payloads. The consortium is managed by NASA Glenn Research Center and is funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Technology Reinvestment Program (TRP), Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the Canadian Department of National Defense (DND). Two subsystems were built under this program:
i) 60 channel HTS multiplexer that duplicates the requirements of the INTELSAT 8 program
ii) Ka-band Beam-link subsystem that duplicates the typical requirements of multimedia satellites.
It is the objective of this paper to present the design and measured results of these two subsystems.
Analog Devices11:30 Picosecond Superconducting Single-Photon Optical Detectors and Their Applications
Roman Sobolewski, PhD, Professor, Dept Electrical and Computer Engineering and Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester We present a novel superconducting, NbN single-photon detector for counting of both visible and infrared photons with quantum efficiency of >20%, >10 GHz counting rate, and negligible dark signals. The detection mechanism is based on photon-induced hotspot formation and results in easily measurable quantum voltage pulses. Practical mplementations of our devices should lead to a revolutionary progress in areas ranging from free-space and satellite communication, through quantum cryptography, to ultraweak luminescence observations and semiconductor integrated circuit testing. 12:00 Analog Devices for Military Applications
Daniel E. Oates, PhD, Staff, MIT Lincoln Laboratory In this talk we will present several examples of HTS analog microwave devices and discuss their application in military systems. The devices discussed do not have commercial applications at the present time.
12:30 Lunch on Your Own
Digital Electronics II1:55 Chairperson's Remarks
John W. Spargo, PhD, Manager, Superconducting Electronics, TRW Space & Electronics 2:00 RSFQ: The Fastest Digital Technology
Konstantin K. Likharev, PhD, Professor of Physics, State University of New York at Stony Brook We will review the physical and technological foundations and future prospects of the RSFQ (Rapid Single Flux Quantum) digital technology. Storage and processing of digital bits in the form of single quanta of magnetic flux allows LTS RSFQ circuits to operate at speed beyond 100 GHz, with energy dissipation of the order of 10-18 Joule per bit. For several important applications, notably analog-to-digital conversion, high-performance computing, and fast switching networks, this unparalleled performance may overweight the inconvenience of helium cooling. 2:30 Superconducting Optoelectronics for Ultra Fast Telecommunications
Walter L. Glomb, Jr., Vice President, Atlantic Technology Ventures, Inc. The ultra fast data processing speeds that are achievable in SFQ logic portend a transformation in telecommunications networking. SFQ switches and routers operating at one hundred times the speed of the fastest semiconductor microprocessors would enable wire-rate circuit switching and packet processing at hundreds of gigabits per second in a single optical wavelength channel. Such performance would enable significant operational advantages. A review of current architectural and component issues will be presented. Topics will include scaling of fiber-optic telecommunications networks, SFQ switch and router architectures for terabit capacity, and optoelectronic interfaces for SFQ logic. 3:00 Advanced Superconducting Devices for High-Performance Computing
Alan W. Kleinsasser, PhD, Senior Member Technical Staff, Microdevices Laboratory, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology Rapid Single Flux Quantum (RSFQ) digital circuits are based on quantized voltage pulses produced by Josephson junctions. The superconducting flux quantum is 2.07 mV-ps and the natural voltage scale of Josephson junctions can be several mV. Pulses of ps duration and circuit clock speeds of hundreds of GHz have been demonstrated without reaching physical limits. RSFQ is the only demonstrated approach to computation that is capable of such speeds. For that reason, RSFQ logic is integral to plans for general-purpose computers with petaflops performance. Realizing the full potential of RSFQ technology will require considerable improvements in superconducting chip fabrication technology, including the development of deep-submicrometer, overdamped Josephson junctions having the highest possible critical current-resistance product. This can be accomplished only by substantially increasing the ratio of critical current density to specific capacitance of the junctions. In this talk I will discuss the behavior of high critical current density Josephson junctions, the issues associated with obtaining the ultimate performance available from Nb-based RSFQ circuits and the possibility of circuits based on intrinsically faster materials. 3:30 Panel Discussion: COTS Superconducting Devices:
What do we still have to do to be there? Panelists: Alex I. Braginski, PhD, DSc
Martin Nisenoff, PhD
John M. Rowell, PhD
Deborah Van Vechten, PhD 4:00 Closing Remarks and End of Conference
Call for Posters
Call for PostersIndustry and academic scientists are encouraged to submit poster titles for this event. One-page abstracts (8 1/2” x 11” with 1-inch margins) must be submitted no later than October 17, 2001 for inclusion in conference documentation. Additional poster submissions will be accepted until November 10, 2001 but may not be included in conference documentation. Note: If you're submitting a poster, you MUST be registered and paid in advance to ensure that a posterboard is reserved for you.
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Registration fee includes lunch on the first day, refreshments and all documentation made available to us by speakers. Commercial registration is US $1099. Academic/government registration is US $699. The academic/government rate is extended to all participants registering as full time employees of government and universities. To receive the academic/government rate you must not be affiliated with any private organizations either as consultants or owners or part owners of businesses. Posterboard fee: US $45. On-site registration is an additional $100. Payment: All payments must be made in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank. Please make check(s) payable to The Knowledge Foundation, Inc. and attach to the registration form even if you have registered by phone, fax or e-mail. To guarantee your registration, payment must be received prior to the conference. Confirmation of your booking will follow. Discount Accommodations and Travel: A block of rooms has been allocated at a special reduced rate. Please make your reservations by October 10, 2001. When making reservations, please refer to The Knowledge Foundation. Contact The Knowledge Foundation if you require assistance. Venue:
Seaport Hotel and Conference Center
One Seaport Lane
Boston, MA 02210 For Hotel Reservations Contact:
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Phone: (508) 429-6494 or 1-800-229-6494
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