Room-Temperature Superconducting Quantum Interference Device RT-SQUID Commercial Version Released: Ultra-Sensitive Magnetic Field Detection Without Liquid Nitrogen Cooling

Room-Temperature Superconducting Quantum Interference Device RT-SQUID Commercial Version Released: Ultra-Sensitive Magnetic Field Detection Without Liquid Nitrogen Cooling

The commercial version of the room-temperature superconducting quantum interference device RT-SQUID, jointly developed by the University of Tokyo's Research Center for Superconducting Quantum Materials and Hitachi, was released on August 25, 2030. The device achieves femtotesla-level magnetic field sensitivity in a room-temperature environment, eliminating the need for the liquid helium or liquid nitrogen cooling systems required by traditional SQUIDs.

RT-SQUID uses a novel copper oxide high-temperature superconducting thin film, with precision nanofabrication processes raising the superconducting loop's critical temperature to 293K (approximately 20 degrees C), enabling normal operation in conventional indoor environments. The device's magnetic field sensitivity reaches 50 femtotesla, comparable to low-temperature SQUIDs.

Hitachi's General Manager of Quantum Sensing said: "RT-SQUID eliminates the biggest commercialization barrier for quantum sensing — the cryogenic cooling system. This means quantum magnetometers can be deployed in hospitals, factories, and field environments."

Initial applications include magnetoencephalography (MEG) non-invasive brain function detection, underground mineral exploration, and industrial non-destructive testing. Japan's National Center for Neurology and Psychiatry has ordered 10 RT-SQUIDs for MEG clinical research.