IEC 61788-22-1:2017

Overview - IEC 61788-22-1:2017 (Superconducting sensors and detectors)

IEC 61788-22-1:2017 is the international generic specification for superconducting electronic devices used as sensors and detectors. This Part 22-1 of the IEC 61788 series defines common terminology, classification, symbols and baseline requirements that underpin more specific sensor/detector standards in the series. It covers devices made from superconducting materials and based on superconducting phenomena used to measure measurands such as magnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, photons (across energies), electrons, ions and α‑particles. The edition is 1.0 (2017-07).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Terminology and classification: standardized names, acronyms and classes for superconducting sensors and detectors to reduce inconsistent usage across industry and research.
• Measurands and detection principles: lists and classifies measurands (fields, particles, photons) and detection approaches (coherent vs direct detection).
• Cryogenic operation conditions: general requirements for devices that operate at low temperatures (cryogenic sensors).
• Marking and packing: device identification and packaging recommendations for superconducting components.
• Test and measurement procedures: baseline test approaches and measurement considerations to assess performance, noise, energy resolution and time response.
• Graphical symbols: normative graphical symbols for diagrams and equipment (Annex C) to standardize schematics of superconducting regions, Josephson junctions, and normal–superconducting boundaries.
• Informative device examples: descriptive annexes showing common device types and architectures, including:
  • SHEB (superconducting hot electron bolometer)
  • STJ (superconducting tunnel junction)
  • SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device)
  • MMC (metallic magnetic calorimeter)
  • MKI (microwave kinetic inductance) type
  • SS (superconducting strip)
  • TES (transition edge sensor)

Applications and who uses IEC 61788-22-1

This generic standard is intended for:

• Manufacturers of superconducting sensors and detectors seeking consistent product specifications and labelling.
• Test laboratories and QA teams developing test plans and measurement methods for cryogenic detectors.
• System integrators and instrument designers in fields such as astronomy, medical imaging, telecommunications, mineral exploration, quantum information, and analytical instrumentation.
• Researchers and standards committees harmonizing terminology and symbols across publications.

Practical value: it helps ensure consistent device classification, clear schematics using standardized graphical symbols, repeatable test procedures, and interoperable product information for cryogenic superconducting sensors and detectors.

Related standards

• IEC 61788 series (Superconductivity)
• IEC 60050-815 (vocabulary - superconductivity)
• IEC 60417 / IEC 60617 (graphical symbols for equipment and diagrams)
• ISO 1000 (SI units) and ISO 7000 (registered graphical symbols)

Keywords: IEC 61788-22-1, superconducting sensors, superconducting detectors, SQUID, TES, MKI, STJ, cryogenic sensors, superconductivity standard, graphical symbols, test procedures.