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.

Publications

10 25 50

Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
EP/N509620/1 30/09/2016 29/09/2022
1805367 Studentship EP/N509620/1 30/09/2016 30/03/2020 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