High Tc Superconducting Interconnections in Semiconductor - Based Electronic Systems

Abstract

Recent materials advances have demonstrated superconductivity at temperatures well above 77K. It is no longer unreasonable to consider electronic systems based on superconducting interconnections and semiconductor devices. The interconnections between devices occur on several levels, ranging from the large scale, printed-wiring-board sized structures, down to the very small lines that connect devices on a single chip. An important question to begin to examine at this stage is where, within the hierarchy of device interconnections, it is most (or least) advantageous to consider using superconductors. This paper will present analytical results that address two important issues: the performance benefits of a resistance-free interconnection technology and the levels of critical current density that the superconductors must exhibit in order to realize these benefits.