Switching of Microwave Energy by a Superconducting Polycrystalline BaPb_1-xBi_xO₃ Thin Film

Abstract

Superconducting polycrystalline BaPb1-x Bi x O3 thin film is attempted in the switching of microwave energy of 2.8 GHz. The film is installed in a TE111 mode cylindrical cavity made of copper and immersed in liquid helium. Transition from super- to normal-conducting states is made by a pulse current through the film of the order of 108 A/m2. The microwave energy stored in the cavity is extracted in the short time of 60 ns. The observed output powers are compared with numerical analysis and the possibility of improving the switching characteristics is discussed.