A cryogenic memory array based on superconducting memristors

Abstract

A scalable cryogenic memory system is one of the prime requirements for the implementation of practical quantum computers, large-scale single flux quantum circuits, and space electronics. Here, we leverage the memristive behavior of a conductance-asymmetric superconducting quantum interference device (CA SQUID) to design an ultra-fast and low-power memory system. We develop a physics-based circuit-compatible model for CA-SQUID-based superconducting memristors (ScMs). Using this compact model, we design and test an ScM-based nonvolatile cryogenic memory system and explore the design space. Via analyzing the sensitivity and tunability of the device hysteresis up to the array level, we provide a comprehensive guideline for its experimental realization. The ScM-based memory system has the potential to solve the scalability issue of the state-of-the-art superconducting data storage systems and may trigger rapid advancement in quantum computing, space electronics, and cryogenic neuromorphic systems.