Ames Summer 97 Workshop on Device Technology -- RSFQ
Several at the meeting were aware of Likharev's rapid single flux quantum (RSFQ) superconducting logic. They agree that it is a very interesting development, and further that it is fairly certain to work well.
However, they feel that the requirement for liquid helium temperatures is a severe impediment to widespread utilization, and without commodity production it is unlikely to be economic.
- See later for details and other difficulties!
According to Stan Williams, recently Likarev came to Hewlett Packard.
He offered HP all of his patents, only asking that they develop the technology.
But HP management still declined. Williams quipped that if some company decided to produce RSFQ technology, somehow assembling the $100 million or so required in start-up capital, the day after they produce their first devices it would pronounced a great success, but on the second day the company would fold financially.