High-T-c SQUID biomagnetometers

Review article, 2017

In this paper, we review the preparation technology, integration in measurement systems and tests of high-T-c superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) intended for biomagnetic applications. A focus is on developments specific to Forschungszentrum Julich GmbH, Chalmers University of Technology, MedTech West, and the University of Gothenburg, while placing these results in the perspective of those achieved elsewhere. Sensor fabrication, including the deposition and structuring of epitaxial oxide heterostructures, materials for substrates, epitaxial bilayer buffers, bicrystal and step-edge Josephson junctions, and multilayer flux transformers are detailed. The properties of the epitaxial multilayer high-T-c direct current SQUID sensors, including their integration in measurement systems with special electronics and liquid nitrogen cryostats, are presented in the context of biomagnetic recording. Applications that include magnetic nanoparticle based molecular diagnostics, magnetocardiography, and magnetoencephalography are presented as showcases of high-T-c biomagnetic systems. We conclude by outlining future challenges.