Cryotron

A Kryotron ( kryos (Greek ) = Frost, tron (Greek ) = device ) or superconducting switching element is a switch whose operation is based on the principle that superconductivity can be suppressed by magnetic fields.

The cryotron consists of a piece of tantalum, which is wound with a coil made ​​of niobium, and is operated at a temperature of liquid helium. Due to the superconducting current flows without resistance through the tantalum. But passed through the Niobspule current due to the induced magnetic field, the superconductivity breaks down in the tantalum, thereby the current is reduced or interrupted.

• Electrical component