In order to optimize the magnetic field sensitivity root S-B we have follow
ed two different approaches. In the former we have analyzed the influence o
f the quality of YBCO films on the superconducting properties and noise cha
racteristics of bicrystal grain boundary junctions and dc-SQUIDs. For this
purpose we have studied and compared three different YBCO deposition proces
ses. In the latter we have reported the different criteria for the design o
f SQUID magnetometers usable for applications in shielded and unshielded en
vironment.