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RAP opportunity at National Institute of Standards and Technology     NIST

Superconducting Detectors for Photons from Millimeter Waves through Gamma Rays

Location

Physical Measurement Laboratory, Quantum Electromagnetics Division

opportunity location
50.68.72.B3587 Boulder, CO

NIST only participates in the February and August reviews.

Advisers

name email phone
Johannes Hubmayr hubmayr@nist.gov 303.497.6164
Daniel S Swetz swetz@nist.gov 303 497 3389
Joel N. Ullom ullom@boulder.nist.gov 303.497.4408

Description

Cryogenic detectors and electronics provide unprecedented sensitivity and energy resolution for the detection of photons. We are developing novel low-temperature (100 mK) superconducting microcalorimeters and bolometers for the detection of photons from X rays to millimeter waves. These devices, fabricated in our state-of-the-art clean room, consist of superconducting transition-edge sensors on micromachined structures. They are read out using unique high-speed, low-noise SQUID preamplifiers designed and fabricated here. Using these devices, we have demonstrated the highest energy resolution achieved with an energy-dispersive x-ray and gamma ray detector, and one of the most sensitive detectors of incident infrared/submillimeter power. We are employing these detectors in a system for x-ray microanalysis of materials on a scanning electron microscope and in a system for gamma-ray spectroscopy of nuclear materials. We are also developing arrays of x-ray microcalorimeters and infrared/submillimeter bolometers for astronomy and other applications. Research opportunities include improving our understanding of the nonequilibrium superconducting processes underlying the performance of superconducting detectors, developing novel micromachined structures to integrate detector arrays, developing and testing detector arrays, developing multiplexed superconducting integrated circuits for the readout of large arrays, and developing the first uses of these detectors in astronomy, materials analysis, nuclear non-proliferation, and other applications.

 

key words
Calorimetry; Integrated circuits; Photons and photon processes; Superconductivity; Thermal conditions and measurements;

Eligibility

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens
Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants

Stipend

Base Stipend Travel Allotment Supplementation
$82,764.00 $3,000.00
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