Patent attributes
An improved persistent current switch design and method of operation are disclosed. By way of example, a persistent current switch circuit comprises a heating element and a switch element located proximate to the heating element, the switch element being substantially formed from a material (by way of example only, titanium) which exhibits a superconducting temperature value below a superconducting temperature value exhibited by a material (by way of example only, aluminum) used to provide a connection to the switch element. The switch element is responsive to the heating element such that the heating element is used to control whether or not the switch element is in a superconducting state. The switch element may also have a folded geometry. Such persistent current switches exhibit low power and low inductance.