Superconducting Detector Technology for Imaging Arrays (SuperDet)

Leonid Kuzmin, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, - contact person

Heinz-Wilhelm Hüuebers, German Aerospace Center, Institute of Space Sensor Technology and Planetary Exploration , Germany

Piet de Korte, Space Research Organization Netherlands, The Netherlands.

  1. Summary/Abstract
In the last 5 - 10 years superconducting detectors have become the most sensitive radiation detectors of Sub-mm, Infrared, and Optical radiation with an estimated ultimate sensitivity down to 10-20 W/Hz1/2. This sensitivity even allows for single photon counting with high detection efficiency and moderate (l /Dl = 5) to good (l /Dl = 1000) spectral resolution from the IR region to the X-ray range, respectively.

Superconducting detectors have already been developed as key-elements in next generation spectrometers for compositional analysis in laboratory and industry, like mass-spectrometers for large molecular masses and X-ray fluorescence spectrometers for the detection of contaminant materials with micron and sub-micron sizes.

When developed into imaging arrays they will become the most sensitive imaging devices for astronomy. A few modest imaging arrays for ground-based sub-mm observations are already operational and plans for building significant larger arrays, SCUBA II, are approved. In the optical similar imagers with single photon counting and energy resolution capability are just entering the scene, while for X-ray astronomy the first modest imager, 6 x 6 pixels, has been build for a Japanese satellite.

The coming decade will show the development of large (> 100 x 100 pixels) imaging arrays of superconducting detectors for all kinds of applications and for wavelengths from the Sub-mm to the X-ray range. This requires further developments of the various type of Superconducting detectors and further development of technological aspects like, development of detector arrays, superconducting electronics and multiplexing schemes for the read-out, low temperature (100 mK) cooler development and cryogenic wiring and packaging.

Europe has a large contribution in the development of this new area of Superconducting Detectors and Electronics and is in a favourable competitive position. This proposal aims to reinforce this competitiveness through the formation of a Network of groups working in this field in order to exchange information by means of visits, exchange of young researchers and small conferences.

2. Keywords: Superconducting detectors; Imaging arrays; Superconducting electronics; SQUID readout system; Cryorefrigerator.

  1. Status of relevant research, scientific context, objectives and envisaged achievements
Superconductive radiation sensors are nowadays available from the Sub-mm to the X-ray range. One can distinguish roughly two types, i.e.: The power sensors successfully developed sofar are bolometers with either phase-transition thermometers (superconductor to normal conductor), generally called Transition Edge Sensors (TES) [Irwin APL 66,1998(1995), Hoevers et al., NIMA 436, 247(1999) ] or Superconductor-Isolator-Normal metal (SIN) [Nahum et al., IEEE Trans. on Appl Superc., 3, 2124 (1993), Kuzmin et al., IEEE Trans. on Appl Superc., 9, 2186 (1999)]] junction thermometers. Radiation absorption is either by antenna coupling or direct absorption.

For wavelength shorter than a few microns above sensors become single photon counters [Irwin et al., APL. 69, 1945 (1996), Hoevers, APL 77, 4422 (2000), de Korte et al., IEEE Tr. on Appl. Sup. 11, 747 (2001)]. Also Superconductor-Isolator-Superconductor (SIS) junctions have been developed very successfully as single photon counters in the optical and X-ray range [Esposito et al, NIM A370, 26 (1996), P. Verhoeve NIM A444, 435 (2000)]. Several new approaches have been proposed during last decade that should allow superconducting sensors to become single photon in the infrared and sub-mm region. intervene infrared region. A photon counter utilizing a current-carrying superconducting film has been recently proposed by Semenov et al. [28] and demonstrated by Gol'tsman et al. [Physica C 351, 349 (2001); APL 79, 705, (2001)][29].

The exciting effect of nonequilibrium electron cooling has been demonstrated by Nahum et al., [APL.65, 3123 (1994)] for normal metal strip connected to SIN tunnel junctions. The results of Jyväskylä group (Leivo, Pekola et al., APL, 74, 3021 (1999)) on electron cooling from 300 mK to 120 mK attract interest from ESA. A novel concept of "cold-electron" bolometer with direct electron cooling of absorber has been suggested by Kuzmin et al. [JAP, 89, 6464 (2001) ]. This bolometer can be especially effective for operation in the presence of a real background power load. The optimal realization of this sensor is a hot-electron bolometer with capacitive coupling to the antenna by tunnel junctions, developed at Chalmers University (Kuzmin, Physica B: Condensed Matter, 284-288, 2129 (2000)).

The aforementioned new approaches are in the early development stage and require, for full realization of inherent advantages, comprehensive study. The scientific impact is expected in the field of non-equilibrium superconductivity, in particular superconductive phenomena such as quasiparticle energy and chargeóimbalance relaxation, thermalization and Andreev reflection, and long range proximity effect in normal metal-superconductor bi-layers as well as in the vicinity of an interface between normal metal and superconductor are to be studied in the superconducting nanostructures.

In parallel with the development of new type of superconductive sensors and their superconductive read-out electronics, there will be strong emphasis on the development of imaging arrays of the already matured sensors, like SIS, TES and SIN for IR, optical and X-ray wavelength together with their associated cryogenic cooling and cryopackaging. Especially these developments are extremely important for applications in ground-based and space-based astronomy, spectroscopy of large molecules and X-ray fluorescence of contaminants in the semiconductor industry. These developments involve sensor production aspects, like Si-micromachining and bumpbonding; development of multiplexing schemes to read-out large detector arrays with particular emphasis on superconducting electronics; Sensor packaging and wiring and 100 mK cooler developments.

These aspects, mainly technological, are in an early stage of development. In the TES and SIS technology small arrays have been fabricated and the first Time Division Multiplex (TDM) [Chervenak et al., APL 74, 4043 (1999)] and Frequency Division Multiplex (FDM) [Yoon et al., APL 78, 371 (2001)] schemes are under development. Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerators [ADR] are becoming commercially available with enough cooling power and low enough temperatures (50 mK) for sensor arrays.

Objectives of the proposal are

  1. Expected benefit from European collaboration in this area
  2. European context: state all R&D networking activities at the European level


    3. The European Network of Excellence on Superconductivity (SCENET) monitors the applications of superconductivity. A special interest to superconducting detectors and bolometers was demonstrated in the past Network activity (see the Road map athttp://orchidea.maspec.bo.cnr.it/working_groups/working_group_list.htmlwhere a strong recommendation to networking activity is made). SCENET has been re-approved and it is planned the continuation of the monitoring activity of this area.

  3. Work plan by major headings

    4.  

     
     
     
     
     

    Network activities:

    Duration - 5 years.

    Budget estimate (in EURO) by major headings and per year of the Programme

    Sum - 150 kEURO

    Annexes:

    Full coordinates and curriculum vitae of the applicant(s)

    Leonid Kuzmin, Associate Professor

    Department of Microelectronics and Nanoscience, Physics and Engineering Physics

    Chalmers University of Technology, S-41296 Gothenburg, Sweden

    Tel: +46 31 772 3608, Mobile: +46 73 909 31 55 , Fax: +46 31 772 3471

    e-mail: kuzmin@fy.chalmers.se, WWW: http://fy.chalmers.se/~kuzmin/

    Dr. H.-W. Hübers

    German Aerospace Center, Institute of Space Sensor Technology and Planetary Exploration

    Department of Far-Infrared Technology, Rutherfordstr. 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany

    Phone: +49-(0)30-67055596 Fax: +49-67055507 heinz-wilhelm.huebers@dlr.de

    Dr. P.A.J de Korte

    Space Research Organization Netherlands, Sorbonnelaan 2

    3584CA Utrecht, The Netherlands

    Phone: 31 30 2535710, Fax 31 30 2540860, E-mail P.A.J.de.Korte@sron.nl

    Curriculum Vitae for Leonid S. Kuzmin

    Born: Moscow, Russia, July 10, 1946

    Nationality: Russian

    Home address: Dr. Forselius Backe 17, 413 26 Göteborg, Sweden

    Education: 1) Department of Physics, Moscow State University,

    Russia, Undergraduate course 1965-1971

    2) Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics, Russian

    Academy of Sciences, post-graduate course 1971-1974

    Degrees: 1) Candidate of Science in Physics and Mathematics (corresponds approximately to Ph. D. in Physics), received from Moscow State University, Thesis advisor: Prof. K. Likharev - 1977

    "Nondegenerate single-frequency parametric amplification using Josephson junctions with self-pumping"

    2) Doctor of Science in Physics and Mathematics from Moscow State University - 1997

    Thesis topic: "Correlated Tunneling of Electrones and Cooper Pairs in Ultrasmall Tunnel Junctions"

    3) Oavlönad Docent, Chalmers/Göteborg University 2000

    Posts: 1) Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics, Russian

    Academy of Sciences, Junior Scientist 1974-1979

    2) Laboratory of Prof. K. Likharev, Department of Physics,

    Moscow State University, Senior Scientist 1979 -1993

    3) Physicalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), 1994 - 1995

    Germany, Research Scientist

    4) Forskartjanst (Associate Professor), Swedish NFR, 1995 - 2001

    Chalmers University of Technology

    5 PhD degrees under supervision

    Publications. More than 130 publications Chairman of 5 International Workshops and 2 Int. Schools for young scientists, member of SCENET working group on superconducting detectors and bolometers.

    Award:Discovery Award N285 from the USSR Committee on Inventions and Discoveries. "Phenomenon of nondegenerate single-frequency parametric regeneration of oscillations in systems with weak superconductivity", 1984

    Majoring fields: - Single Electronics, Nano-structures, Josephson tunnel effect, Low and high Tc superconductor electronics, Quantum precision measurements, low noise microwave devices, squids

    Curriculum Vitae of Heinz-Wilhelm Hübers

    Born: Haselünne, Germany, January 28, 1965

    Nationality: German

    Home Address: Spreestr. 28, 15738 Zeuthen, Germany

    Education:

    1986-1991 Physics at the University of Bonn

    1991 Diploma in Physics

    1991 ó 1994 Ph. D. thesis at the Max-Planck Institute for Radioastronomy, Bonn

    Positions:

    1995 ó 1998 Junior scientist at the German Aerospace Center in Berlin

    1998 ó 2000 Head of the group "Heterodyne and Laser Technology" at the German Aerospace Center, Berlin since 2001 Head of the department "Far-Infrared Technology" at the German Aerospace Center in Berlin

    Experience:

    research stays at National Institute of Standards and Technology (Boulder, USA), NASA Ames Research Center (California), Institute for Physics of Microstructures of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Russia);

    Curriculum Vitae for Piet de Korte

    Born: Oude Tonge, Netherlands, December 13, 1946

    Nationality: Dutch

    Home address: Fransen van de Puttelaan 26, 3707EH Zeist, The Netherlands

    Education: 1) Leyden University, Degree in Physics 1964-1971

    2) Leyden University, PhD in Physics 1971-1975

    Degrees: 2) Doctor of Science in Physics from Leyden University 1975

    Thesis topic: "Spatial and Spectral anomalies in the Soft X-ray Background Promotor: Prof. Dr. H.C. van de Hulst

    Post: Head Sensor Research & Technology Division SRON, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

    Background: Only last 15 years

    In 1987 Dr. De Korte started the development of X-ray Charge Coupled Devices (CCD) for the Reflection Grating Spectrometer on ESAís X-ray Spectroscopy Cornerstone Mission XMM-Newton launched in 1999. On the XMM-Newton mission he serves as an expert on X-ray optics in the Telescope Advisory Group.

    In 1990 he initiated research on superconducting tunneljunction detectors in collaboration with the Low Temperature Group at Twente University. This detector development aimed at the creation of a next generation X-ray detector with high energy resolution, high detection efficiency and modes spatial resolution. This project got funding from the Dutch Foundation for Applied Research (STW) and NWO.

    In 1994 he started on SRON/ESA EOPP funded development of a high-TC superconductor bolometer by which SRON acquired experience with SixNy-technology and bolometers in general. This resulted in a high-TC bolometer with an NEP of 2.10-12 W/Hz1/2, a world record.

    In 1996 he initiated the development of Hot Electron Bolometers for Far-IR, sub-mm and X-ray applications with funding from NWO. This work resulted in single pixel microcalorimeters with excellent performance, 4.0 eV at 5.9 kV, and a development of the physics of these detectors. In 2000 NWO granted a propsal for the development of an Imaging X-ray Microcalorimeters Array, together with the MESA+ Institute.

    Dr. De Korte has published approximately 100 papers.

    List of the 5 publications during the last 5 years.

    a) Leonid Kuzmin, Chalmers University of Technology.

    1. L.Kuzmin, D.Chouvaev, M.Tarasov, P.Sundquist, M.Willander, T.Claeson, "On the concept of a normal metal hot-electron microbolometer for space applications". IEEE Trans. Appl. Supercond., 9, N 2, pp. 3186-3189 (1999).

    2. L. Kuzmin, I. Devyatov, and D. Golubev. "Cold-electron" bolometer with electronic microrefrigeration and the general noise analysis". Proceeding of SPIE, v. 3465, The 4th International conference on mm and submm waves, San-Diego, pp. 193-199, July 1998.

    3. D. Chouvaev, L. Kuzmin, M. Tarasov. "Normal Metal Hot-Electron Microbolometer with On-Chip Protection by Tunnel Junctions", Supercond. Sci. Technol., 12, p. 985-988 (1999).

    4. L. Kuzmin "On the Concept of a Hot-Electron Microbolometer with Capacitive Coupling to the Antenna", Physica B: Condensed Matter, 284-288, 2129 (2000).

     5. D. Golubev and L. Kuzmin. Nonequilibrium theory of the hot-electron bolometer with NIS tunnel junction. Journal of Applied Physics. 89, 6464-6472 (2001).

    b. German Aerospace Center (DLR), Dr. H.-W. Hübers

    1. J. Schubert, A. Semenov, G. Golítsman, H.-W. Hübers, B. Voronov, E. Gershenzon, G. Schwaab, Noise Temperature of a NbN Hot Electron Bolometric Mixer at Frequencies from 0.7 THz to 5.2 THz, Supercond. Science and Technology 12, 748-750, 1999.
    2. A. D. Semenov, H.-W. Hübers, J. Schubert, G. N. Golítsman, A. I. Elantiev, B. M. Voronov, E. M. Gershenzon, Design and Performance of the Lattice-Cooled Hot-Electron Terahertz Mixer, J. Appl. Phys. 88, 6758-6767, 2000.
    3. H.-W. Hübers, J. Schubert, A. Semenov, G. Golítsman, B. Voronov, G. Gershenzon A. Krabbe, H. P. Röser, NbN Hot Electron Bolometer as THz Mixer for SOFIA, Proc. of the SPIE Conference on Airborne Astronomy Systems, 195-202, München 2000.
    4. H.-W. Hübers, J. Schubert, A. Krabbe, M. Birk, G. Wagner, A. Semenov, G. Golítsman, B. Voronov, G. Gershenzon, ÑParylene Anti-reflection Coating of a Quasi-Optical Hot-Electron Bolometric Mixer at Terahertz Frequencies", Infrared Phys. and Technol.42, 41-47, 2001.
    5. A. D. Semenov, H.-W. Hübers, Frequency Bandwidth of a Hot-Electron Mixer According to the Hot-Spot Model, IEEE Trans. Appl. Superconductivity 11, 196-199, 2001.
    c. Space Research Organization Netherlands, Dr. P.A.J. de KorteHoevers, H.F.C., Superconducting Transition Edge Sensors for X-ray Spectroscopy, accepted for publication in Proc. 9th International Workshop on Low Temperature Detectors (LTD-9), Madison, 23-27 July, 2001.
     
     
          1. Bergmann Tiest, W.M., Hoevers, H.F.C., Mels, W.A., Ridder, M., Bruijn, M.P., Korte, P.A.J. de, Huber, M.E., Performance of X-ray Microcalorimeters with an Energy Resolution Below 4.5 eV and 100 µs Response Time, accepted for publication in Proc. 9th International Workshop on Low Temperature Detectors (LTD-9), Madison, 23-27 July, 2001.
          2. Hoevers, H.F.C., Bento, A.C., Bruijn, M.P., Gottardi, L., Korevaar, M.A.N., Mels, W.A. and Korte, P.A.J. de, Thermal Fluctuation Noise in a Voltage Biased Superconducting Transition Edge Thermometer, Appl. Phys. Lett. Vol. 77 Issue 26, pp. 4422-4424, 2000.
          3. Korte, P.A.J. de, Bavdaz, M., Duband, L., Holland, A.D., Peacock, T.J. and Struder, L., The X-ray Evolving Universe Spectroscopy Mission (XEUS) - Requirements of the X-ray focal plane instruments, Proceedings SPIE, Vol. 3766, pp. 103-126, 1999.
          4. Hoevers, H.F.C., Bento, A.C., Bruijn, M.P., Frericks, M., Kiewiet, F.B., Mels, W.A. and Korte, P.A.J. de, Performance of hot-electron bolometers for infrared photometry and X-ray micro-calorimetry, Nucl. Instrum and Meth. A, vol. 436, pp. 247-251, 1999.
          5. Nivelle, M.J.M.E. de, Bruijn, M.P., Vries, R. de, Wijnbergen, J.J., Korte, P.A.J. de, Sanchez, S., Elwenspoek, M., Heidenblut, T., Schwierzi, B., Michalke, W., and Steinbeiss, E., Low noise high-Tc superconducting bolometers on silicon nitride membranes for far-infrared detection, J. Applied Physics 82 (10), pp. 4719-4726, 1997.
    Names and affiliations of the envisaged Steering Committee listed by country
    1. Sweden, Chalmers University, Leonid Kuzmin.
    2. Germany, German Aerospace Center, Berlin, Heinz-Wilhelm Hubers.
    3. Netherlands. SRON, Utrecht, Piet de Korte
    4. United Kingdom. Leicester University, Astro Space Center, Andrew Holland,
    5. Finland. University of Jyvaskyla, Jukka Pekola
    1. Italy , CNR-Instituto di Cibernetica, Naples, Roberto Christiano.
    2. France, AIR LIQUIDE, Grenoble (Alain Ravex).
    3. Denmark, DTU, Lyngby, Jesper Mygind.
    4. Norway, Oslo University, Department of Physics, Dragos-Victor Anghel.
    5. Estonia, Institute of Physics, Tartu, Ants Löhmus
    6. Switzerland, Paul Scherrer Institute, VILLIGEN, Philippe Lerch.
    Names and affiliations of the researchers/research groups

    1. Sweden, Chalmers University, Gothenburg (Leonid Kuzmin). Submillimeter bolometer arrays
    2. Germany, Institute of Space Sensor technology and Planetary Exploration , Berlin (Heinz-Wilhelm Hubers, Alexei Semenov). Superconducting Quantum detectors;
    IPTH Jena, (Hans-Georg Meyer), SQUID readout systems
    3. Netherlands. SRON, Utrecht (Piet de Korte), Imaging arrays of TES-based X-ray spectrometers for XEUS
    4. United Kingdom. Leicester University, Astro Space Center (Andrew Holland), Imaging X-ray detectors based on TES technology;
    UKATC, Royal Observatory (William Duncan), Bolometer arrays for SCUBA
    5. Finland. University of Jyvaskyla, (Jukka Pekola); Metorex, (Heikki Sipilä); TES sensors for IR and X-ray;
    VTT, Helsinki (Heikki Seppa), SQUID readout system based on frequency domain multiplexing.
    6. Italy, CNR-Instituto di Cibernetica, Naples (Roberto Christiano), STJ-detectors for X-ray imaging
    7. France, CEA, Grenoble (Lionel Duband), AIR LIQUIDE, Grenoble (Alain Ravex), Cryorefrigerators ;
    CNRS, Toulouse (Martin Giard). Bolometer arrays for balloon experiments
    8. Denmark, DTU, Lyngby, (Jesper Mygind), Cryogenic measurements of superconducting detectors
    9. Norway, Oslo University,  Department of Physics, (Dragos-Victor Anghel).Theory of sensors with SIN tunnel junctions
    10. Estonia, Institute of Physics, Tartu, Ants Löhmus, Cryorefrigerators
    11. Switzerland, Paul Scherrer Institute, VILLIGEN, (Philippe Lerch). Imaging arrays of STJ X-ray spectrometers.