Ultra-Low-Noise Transition Edge Sensors for X-ray and High-Energy Physics Applications
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
A Transition Edge Sensor (TES) is an ultra-low-noise photon counting device. It is being
developed for photon counting spectroscopic applications across large parts of the
electromagnetic spectrum. The purpose of the PhD is to model, fabricate and test TESs
for X-ray and high energy physics applications. The first part of the project will concentrate
on understanding the behaviour of patterned superconducting bilayers using the Usadel
differential equations, and then this model will be used to understand magnetic field
dependence. Later work will relate to AC biased operation, modelling device-level aspects
of performance, and Frequency Domain Multiplexed operation. The student will test
devices fabricated in our own device processing laboratory, and will also work with the
Space Research Organisation of the Netherlands to test their devices. The experimental
work will require a detail knowledge of cryogenic electronics operating at 100 mK, and
general cryogenic techniques. In the final phase of the project, the student will compare
their numerical simulations with experimental results. The aim is to be able to create
software techniques that will allow the behaviour of this very important class of device
to be explored and predicted before specific designs are fabricated.
developed for photon counting spectroscopic applications across large parts of the
electromagnetic spectrum. The purpose of the PhD is to model, fabricate and test TESs
for X-ray and high energy physics applications. The first part of the project will concentrate
on understanding the behaviour of patterned superconducting bilayers using the Usadel
differential equations, and then this model will be used to understand magnetic field
dependence. Later work will relate to AC biased operation, modelling device-level aspects
of performance, and Frequency Domain Multiplexed operation. The student will test
devices fabricated in our own device processing laboratory, and will also work with the
Space Research Organisation of the Netherlands to test their devices. The experimental
work will require a detail knowledge of cryogenic electronics operating at 100 mK, and
general cryogenic techniques. In the final phase of the project, the student will compare
their numerical simulations with experimental results. The aim is to be able to create
software techniques that will allow the behaviour of this very important class of device
to be explored and predicted before specific designs are fabricated.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Stafford Withington (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Rebecca Harwin (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509620/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2022 | |||
| 1805367 | Studentship | EP/N509620/1 | 01/10/2016 | 31/03/2020 | Rebecca Harwin |
| Description | Work on refining the design of superconducting devices: -developing a model of the devices -comparing the predictions of this model with experimental observations -design of a new set of devices using the predictions of this model -analysis of materials used to make the devices and predictions of which materials will produce the best devices -development of a new experimental test jig to test the new set of devices -testing the magnetic capabilities of the new test jig -tests carried out on magnetic field performance for a series of new devices -simulations of effects of magnetic field on TESs Work on improving the readout of superconducting devices: -developing a model to compare different readout setups -using the model to analyse the noise performance of the readout setups -aiming to allow wide-frequency-band readout |
| Exploitation Route | New device designs may be used in future if they provide significant improvements to the existing designs used. New readout system may be implemented if it allows wide-band readout with reasonable noise performance. New jig will be used for future magnetic testing of devices by the research group Devices have applications for spectrometry in security and environment industries. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Environment,Security and Diplomacy |
| Description | Carried out testing for a company on a new magnetic sensor design, using the magnetic field system developed in my PhD |
| First Year Of Impact | 2019 |
| Sector | Electronics |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Description | Follow on talk at graduate student conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Follow on talk to update on my research, showing fitting of model to experimental data |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | School Visit (Reading) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Invited to speak to the students at my former school about my PhD work |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Talk at graduate conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Spoke about the start of my project to the graduate student conference |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |