cryotron

American  

[krahy-uh-tron] / ˈkraɪ əˌtrɒn /

noun

Electronics, Computers.

1. a cryogenic device that uses the principle that a varying magnetic field can cause the resistance of a superconducting element to change rapidly between its high normal and low superconductive values: used as a switch and as a computer-memory element.

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cryotron British  

/ ˈkraɪəˌtrɒn /

noun

1. a miniature switch working at the temperature of liquid helium and depending for its action on the production and destruction of superconducting properties in the conductor

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Etymology

Origin of cryotron

First recorded in 1955–60; cryo- + -tron

Example Sentences

A cryotron functions only at temperatures near absolute zero.

From Unwise Child by Garrett, Randall

I re-fed the emptied cryotron memory box of a robot discard with patterns to deal with anything it was likely to encounter in a destruction pile.

From The Junkmakers by Teichner, Albert

A cryotron unit has to be immersed at all times in a bath of liquid helium at a temperature of four-point-two degrees absolute.

From Unwise Child by Garrett, Randall

And, at the same time, he has the accuracy and speed that is normal to a cryotron computer.”

From Unwise Child by Garrett, Randall