High-temperature superconducting delta-sigma modulator based on a multilayer technology with bicrystal Josephson junctions

We have designed, fabricated and successfully tested a first-order delta-sigma modulator using a high-temperature superconducting multilayer technology with bicrystal Josephson junctions. The circuit has been fabricated on a SrTiO₃ bicrystal substrate. The YBa₂Cu₃O₇/SrTiO₃/YBa₂Cu₃O₇ trilayer was fabricated by laser deposition. The bottom layer served as a superconducting groundplane. The Josephson junctions were formed at the bicrystal line in the upper layer. The integrator resistance has been made from a Pd/Au thin film. The circuit consists of a dc-SFQ converter, a Josephson transmission line, a comparator, an L/R integrator and an output stage. The correct operation of the modulator has been tested using dc measurements. The linearity of the modulator was studied by measuring the harmonic distortions of a 19.5 kHz sine wave input signal. From the recorded spectrum, a minimum resolution of at least 5 bits can be estimated. This accuracy was limited by the noise of the preamplifier. The correct operation of the current feedback loop was demonstrated by cutting the feedback inductance.