A Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) is disclosed
comprising a pair of resistively shunted Josephson junctions connected in
parallel within a superconducting loop and biased by an external direct
current (dc) source. The SQUID comprises a semiconductor substrate and at
least one superconducting layer. The metal layer(s) are separated by or
covered with a semiconductor material layer having the properties of a
conductor at room temperature and the properties of an insulator at
operating temperatures (generally less than 100 Kelvins). The properties
of the semiconductor material layer greatly reduces the risk of
electrostatic discharge that can damage the device during normal handling
of the device at room temperature, while still providing the insulating
properties desired to allow normal functioning of the device at its
operating temperature. A method of manufacturing the SQUID device is also
disclosed.