Photometric and Spectroscopic Superconducting Imaging Technology for Astrophysics
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Oxford Physics
Abstract
The submillimetre-wave (3mm-300um) and far-infrared (300um-20um) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum are of considerable importance for astronomy because they contain a wealth of information about the cool, optically dark Universe. For example, the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation, which is a relic of the Big Bang, can be found at the longest wavelengths, and thermal radiation from distant, highly redshifted galaxies can be found at the shortest wavelengths. These regions also contain thousands of spectral lines from numerous molecular and atomic species, which are important for studying the chemistry and physics of regions where stars and planets are being formed. It is exceptionally difficult to carry out astronomy at submillimetre wavelengths because observations must be made from high dry sites in remote places or from space. The detection of signals requires large and expensive telescopes, and complex instruments must be cooled to temperatures of between 4K and 100 mK. It is simply not possible to buy suitable cameras and spectrometers, and instead astronomers must develop their own imaging technology. The proposed programme aims to develop a new generation of extremely sensitive detectors and receivers by fabricating microcircuits out of materials called superconductors. Superconductors have the property that their electrical resistance falls to zero below a critical temperature, and magnetic flux is expelled. Indeed, the superconducting state is a distinct state of matter, which has many curious properties. By fabricating microcircuits from Nb, Ta, Al, Mo, NbN and NbTiN and by using modern Si and SiN micromachining techniques, it is possible to make detectors having extraordinary characteristics. For example, some of our infrared detectors are capable of sensing a light bulb being turned on and off for just 1 second at a distance of 10 million miles, whilst others operate in a truly quantum mechanical way, displaying non-classical conversion gain and sensitivities limited by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. The programme described in this application concentrates on three specific devices: (i) Transition Edge Sensors (TESs), which operate by using the sharp transition of a superconductor, to its normal state, to measure the minute change in temperature that occurs when infrared power is absorbed by a tiny free-standing micro-machined SiN island; (ii) Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KIDs), which essentially measure a small change that occurs in the amount by which magnetic field penetrates into the surface of a superconductor when photons are absorbed; (iii) Superconductor Insulator Superconductor (SIS) mixers, which use extremely thin layers of superconducting and insulating material to create diodes, in which quantum mechanical tunnelling occurs, creating highly sensitive radio receivers. Each of these device types can be used singly or packed into arrays of multiple pixels to form cameras. Superconducting mixers require coherent, phased locked reference sources called local oscillators, which are extremely difficult to realise at supra-THz frequencies. The development of suitable coherent source technology is therefore an essential part of our programme. Another innovative part of our proposed work is to develop microscopically patterned phononic filters that control the flow of heat onto devices, and reduce thermal fluctuation noise, by forming filters that attenuate elastic waves in support structures. The core themes of our proposed research into quantum sensor physics are intrinsically intellectually fruitful, and are of central importance to enabling major areas of astronomy. At the end of the work, we will have demonstrated a new generation of imaging technology based on advanced superconducting devices that will be available to construct the highly sensitive submillimetre-wave and far-infrared instruments needed for the next generation of ground-based and space-borne astronomy.
Planned Impact
Our Consortium works on the development of advanced imaging technology for the next generation of submillimetre-wave and far-infrared ground-based and space-borne astronomical telescopes. Most modern
instruments are complex, and require a diverse range of international expertise in order to achieve the extraordinary levels of performance that are now needed. We see our role as exploring and understanding the physics of quantum sensors, innovating and developing photometric and spectroscopic imaging technology to TRL 4/5, and providing the community with ultra-low-noise components in the form of proven subsystems for major projects. In this way we can help lever opportunity for the UK in high-profile areas of fundamental science. Over the years, we have contributed significantly to the success of many projects (JCMT, ALMA, Herschel HIFI, etc.), and our Consortium is well connected to numerous overseas organisations (GSFC, SRON, ESA, ESO, PTB, VTT, IRAM, JPL, CalTech, CfA). Not only is our work of pivotal importance for astronomy, it is highly intellectually rich in its own right, and our groups have made numerous contributions to theoretical and far-infrared optics, device physics, materials science and device processing. Our work spans the astronomy/solid-state physics divide, exchanging knowledge in both directions. Since 2009 members of the Consortium have published 118 journal and conference papers, many of them in high quality journals such as Phys. Rev. A and B, Phys. Rev. Lett., Sup. Sci. Tech., Teraherz Sci. Tech., JOSA. In addition to fundamental science, our work has great commercial significance in areas such as sensors for Earth observation, weather monitoring, communications, surveillance, biological sensing, medical and plasma diagnostics. For example, the RAL MMT group works closely with industry: e.g. Astrium UK, JCR Systems, SEA Ltd, Oxsensis, Nav Tech, and national and international organisations such as HEIs, the Met Office, EU, SAO, and DLR. RAL has now formed a spin out company, Teratech Components Ltd, to exploit its Schottky-diode foundry. Likewise, the Oxford Group has developed a new feed-horn technology, which is being used widely and commercialized through MM Microwaves, with the appropriate the IP protection in place. The Cambridge Group has a licensing agreement with Oxford Instruments PLC, and formal Agreements with a number of large international organisations, such as PTB and SWRI. Although the emphasis in this proposal is on astrophysics, our work is strongly coupled to the STFC's Grand Challenge themes of the Environment and Security. The Univ. Cambridge has for instance just established a 1.5 year pilot study called SPECTRO-ICE (Prof Withington as PI) to bring together the Cavendish Laboratory, British Antarctic Survey and the Department of Mathematics to assess quantitatively how technology developed for submillimetre-wave astronomy can be used to address key problems in atmospheric science. Prof. Yassin has been particularly active working with academic institutions in the developing world to help establish research via technology transfer and training young scientist: specific examples include Univ. Al-Akhawayn in Morocco, Univ. UTAR in Malaysia, Univ. Mahidol in Bangkok, Univ. Beihang in China, and the Univ. Qatar in Doha. All of the Consortium partners engage fully with the Outreach offices of their respective institutes, and give talks to professional bodies, clubs, and schools. Our groups have looked after school and undergraduate vacation project students, and we will continue to inspire young people in this way. In Oxford Astrophysics, the citizen science projects GalaxyZoo, MoonZoo and Planet Hunters allow members of the public to participate in scientific research, and they already have more than 480,000 registered users. Our PhD students always move on to high-achieving scientific careers in areas such as the Home Office, Patent Office, industry and professional research.
instruments are complex, and require a diverse range of international expertise in order to achieve the extraordinary levels of performance that are now needed. We see our role as exploring and understanding the physics of quantum sensors, innovating and developing photometric and spectroscopic imaging technology to TRL 4/5, and providing the community with ultra-low-noise components in the form of proven subsystems for major projects. In this way we can help lever opportunity for the UK in high-profile areas of fundamental science. Over the years, we have contributed significantly to the success of many projects (JCMT, ALMA, Herschel HIFI, etc.), and our Consortium is well connected to numerous overseas organisations (GSFC, SRON, ESA, ESO, PTB, VTT, IRAM, JPL, CalTech, CfA). Not only is our work of pivotal importance for astronomy, it is highly intellectually rich in its own right, and our groups have made numerous contributions to theoretical and far-infrared optics, device physics, materials science and device processing. Our work spans the astronomy/solid-state physics divide, exchanging knowledge in both directions. Since 2009 members of the Consortium have published 118 journal and conference papers, many of them in high quality journals such as Phys. Rev. A and B, Phys. Rev. Lett., Sup. Sci. Tech., Teraherz Sci. Tech., JOSA. In addition to fundamental science, our work has great commercial significance in areas such as sensors for Earth observation, weather monitoring, communications, surveillance, biological sensing, medical and plasma diagnostics. For example, the RAL MMT group works closely with industry: e.g. Astrium UK, JCR Systems, SEA Ltd, Oxsensis, Nav Tech, and national and international organisations such as HEIs, the Met Office, EU, SAO, and DLR. RAL has now formed a spin out company, Teratech Components Ltd, to exploit its Schottky-diode foundry. Likewise, the Oxford Group has developed a new feed-horn technology, which is being used widely and commercialized through MM Microwaves, with the appropriate the IP protection in place. The Cambridge Group has a licensing agreement with Oxford Instruments PLC, and formal Agreements with a number of large international organisations, such as PTB and SWRI. Although the emphasis in this proposal is on astrophysics, our work is strongly coupled to the STFC's Grand Challenge themes of the Environment and Security. The Univ. Cambridge has for instance just established a 1.5 year pilot study called SPECTRO-ICE (Prof Withington as PI) to bring together the Cavendish Laboratory, British Antarctic Survey and the Department of Mathematics to assess quantitatively how technology developed for submillimetre-wave astronomy can be used to address key problems in atmospheric science. Prof. Yassin has been particularly active working with academic institutions in the developing world to help establish research via technology transfer and training young scientist: specific examples include Univ. Al-Akhawayn in Morocco, Univ. UTAR in Malaysia, Univ. Mahidol in Bangkok, Univ. Beihang in China, and the Univ. Qatar in Doha. All of the Consortium partners engage fully with the Outreach offices of their respective institutes, and give talks to professional bodies, clubs, and schools. Our groups have looked after school and undergraduate vacation project students, and we will continue to inspire young people in this way. In Oxford Astrophysics, the citizen science projects GalaxyZoo, MoonZoo and Planet Hunters allow members of the public to participate in scientific research, and they already have more than 480,000 registered users. Our PhD students always move on to high-achieving scientific careers in areas such as the Home Office, Patent Office, industry and professional research.
Organisations
- University of Oxford (Lead Research Organisation)
- SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research (Collaboration)
- University of Cologne (Collaboration)
- Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (Collaboration)
- HARVARD UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- Laboratory for Studies of Radiation and Matter in Astrophysics and Atmospheres (LERMA) (Collaboration)
- University of Groningen (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE (Collaboration)
People |
ORCID iD |
Ghassan Yassin (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Garrett, G.
(2015)
An SIS mixer based focal-plane array at 230 GHz
Leech, J.
(2015)
An SIS mixer based focal-plane array at 230 GHz
Hector, A.
(2015)
Investigating the Origin of Har- monics in a 230 GHz Local Oscillator
Garrett, J. D.
(2016)
A 230 GHz Finline SIS Receiver with Wide IF Bandwidth
Tan B
(2016)
Experimental Investigation of a Superconducting Switch at Millimeter Wavelengths
in IEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology
Rigopoulou, D.
(2016)
The Far Infrared Spectroscopic Explorer (FIRSPEX)
in SPIE Conference Series
Rigopoulou, D.
(2016)
The Far Infrared Spectroscopic Explorer (FIRSPEX)
Description | (1) We have managed to develop an SIS mixer that gives around 300 K noise temperature at around 1 THz GHz. (ii) We have managed to design a broad band superconducting parametric amplifier that give quantum limited performance. We will continue the development of these products in the next 3 years to reach the stage of integration in astronomical receivers. |
Exploitation Route | Continue the development on next EU and STFC grant and collaborate with industry. |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software) Electronics |
Description | RadioNet: Advanced Radio Astronomy in Europe |
Amount | € 1,800,000 (EUR) |
Funding ID | 730562 |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 01/2017 |
End | 12/2020 |
Description | STFC Consortium Grant |
Amount | £600,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | ST/M000818/1 and ST/M001113/1 |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2015 |
End | 03/2018 |
Title | Planar DC block |
Description | Invented a new method to provide DC block for high frequency planar circuit |
Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Used in astronomical detectors. |
Title | Planar microstrip coupler |
Description | Invented a new method to enhance the power coupling of a planar microstrip coupler to simplify the fabrication of astronomical detector circuits |
Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Used in astronomical detectors. |
Title | Planar signal cross-coupler |
Description | Innovate new method to realise controllable power coupling between two crossing planar transmission lines |
Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Such cross-coupler has been used in the design of THz quantum mixers, and also resulted in a patent. |
Title | Ultra-broadband dipole antenna |
Description | Invented a new type of dipole antenna that has twice the bandwidth compared to conventional dipole antenna, without complicating the fabrication process. |
Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
Year Produced | 2015 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Used both in academic and commercial applications. |
Description | Consortium grant starting 2012 and 2015. |
Organisation | Rutherford Appleton Laboratory |
Department | RAL Space |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | design and testing of THz mixers, broad band 230 GHz mixers and focal plane arrays. These are the two main areas in our common consortium grant. |
Collaborator Contribution | Cavendish Laboratory: Fabrication of SIS devices RAL: development of millimetre and THz sources and micro-fabrication of mixer blocks. |
Impact | SIS mixers for Astronomy instruments, new superconducting detectors for astronomy, publications. |
Start Year | 2011 |
Description | Consortium grant starting 2012 and 2015. |
Organisation | University of Cambridge |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | design and testing of THz mixers, broad band 230 GHz mixers and focal plane arrays. These are the two main areas in our common consortium grant. |
Collaborator Contribution | Cavendish Laboratory: Fabrication of SIS devices RAL: development of millimetre and THz sources and micro-fabrication of mixer blocks. |
Impact | SIS mixers for Astronomy instruments, new superconducting detectors for astronomy, publications. |
Start Year | 2011 |
Description | Development of THz SIS mixers |
Organisation | University of Groningen |
Country | Netherlands |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Design, tasting and data analysis of THz SIS mixers |
Collaborator Contribution | Supply of SIS devices |
Impact | Conference papers listed in the publication section |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | H2020 RadioNet Cosortium |
Organisation | SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research |
Country | Netherlands |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Development of SIS mixer design and theory at THz frequencies, testing of THz mixer and fabrication of THz feeds and electromagnetic components. |
Collaborator Contribution | Development and fabrication of SIS mixer devices and collaboration on design and testing of single sideband separation mixers. |
Impact | I have received SIS devices from SRON that will be used in a PhD student project. We have fabricated a THz feed that we shipped to SRON. Collaboration has just started so no publication yet. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | H2020 RadioNet Cosortium |
Organisation | University of Cologne |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Development of SIS mixer design and theory at THz frequencies, testing of THz mixer and fabrication of THz feeds and electromagnetic components. |
Collaborator Contribution | Development and fabrication of SIS mixer devices and collaboration on design and testing of single sideband separation mixers. |
Impact | I have received SIS devices from SRON that will be used in a PhD student project. We have fabricated a THz feed that we shipped to SRON. Collaboration has just started so no publication yet. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Harvard-Smithsonians |
Organisation | Harvard University |
Department | Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | (1) design and fabricate a feed-horn array for millimetre receivers. (2) Design fabricate a 4 element 1.4 THz feed array for an HEB receiver |
Collaborator Contribution | design and fabricate mixer blocks for millimetre and THz receivers |
Impact | development of millimetre mixers arrays and HEB devices. Pay for the cost of arrays fabricated at Oxford. |
Start Year | 2011 |
Description | LERMA |
Organisation | Laboratory for Studies of Radiation and Matter in Astrophysics and Atmospheres (LERMA) |
Country | France |
Sector | Learned Society |
PI Contribution | Develop mixer arrays at 230 GHz and 700 GHz mixers |
Collaborator Contribution | Fabricate SIS devices for our receivers |
Impact | State of the art SIS mixers, publications, PhD student project |
Start Year | 2014 |
Title | FOUR WAVE MIXING TRANSMISSION LINE |
Description | A four-wave mixing transmission line (3) including: an input (15, 17, 19) arranged to receive: a first pump signal (7a) having a first pump frequency; a second pump signal (7b), having a second pump frequency, different to the first pump frequency; and an input signal to be amplified (5); a non-linear medium (3a) having an intrinsic dispersion relationship, the medium (3a) arranged to allow interaction between the input signal (5), the first pump signal (7a) and the second pump signal (7b), such that the input signal (5) is amplified and an idler signal (9) is generated and amplified; and a plurality of dispersion control elements (31, 33, 49), the dispersion control elements (31, 33, 49) arranged to alter the dispersion relationship of the medium (3a) to diverge from the intrinsic dispersion relationship at one or more frequencies, such that the total phase difference between the input signal, (5) the first pump signal (7a), the second pump signal (7b) and the idler signal (9) is kept at zero or substantially zero as the first pump signal (7a), the second pump signal (7b), the input signal (5) and the idler signal (9) propagate down the transmission line (3). |
IP Reference | US2019074801 |
Protection | Patent / Patent application |
Year Protection Granted | 2019 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | Non-degenerated pumps travelling wave parametric amplifiers |
Title | Signal coupler |
Description | New method for controllable power coupling between two crossing planar transmission line |
IP Reference | PCT/G8201 8/050469 |
Protection | Patent / Patent application |
Year Protection Granted | 2017 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | Seek for licensing opportunities |
Title | Travelling wave parametric up-converter |
Description | Applying technique used for parametric amplifier to a frequency up-converter |
IP Reference | |
Protection | Patent / Patent application |
Year Protection Granted | 2017 |
Licensed | No |
Impact | Seek for opportunities for licensing |
Title | Finsynth |
Description | Software used to design unilateral finline antenna |
Type Of Technology | Software |
Year Produced | 2006 |
Impact | Used in mixer design |
Title | Hornsynth |
Description | Software developed to design and optimise multiple flare angle smooth walled horn |
Type Of Technology | Software |
Year Produced | 2007 |
Impact | Successfully deployed and fabricate many different smooth walled horns |
Title | Qmix |
Description | Accurate design and analysis of SIS mixer |
Type Of Technology | Software |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Impact | The ability to design coherent SIS mixer detectors for astronomical receivers very accurately. |
URL | https://github.com/garrettj403/QMix |
Description | General Public Outreach |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | General Public Outreach |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2020,2021,2022,2023 |
Description | General Public Outreach |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | General Public Outreach |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2020,2021,2022,2023 |
Description | General Public Outreach |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | General Public Outreach |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2020,2021,2022,2023 |
Description | Support of Thai National Astronomical Research Centre (NARIT) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | Help NART to build a laboratory to support Radio-Telescopes |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | http://www.narit.or.th/en/ |