Limits to the observation of coherent oscillations in a SQUID ring

Using the quantum mechanical, lumped component model of a SQUID ring we compute the onset of tunnelling and macroscopic superposition behaviour in the parameter space of the ring. In addition, we make a quantitative estimate of the stability required in the environmental flux to sustain a superposition state. Both these features are of crucial importance to the realisation of experiments aimed at revealing such behaviour. (orig.)