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Detectors for Tomorrow's InstrumentsCryogenically cooled superconducting detectors have become essential tools for a wide range of measurement applications, ranging from quantum limited heterodyne detection in the millimeter range to direct searches for dark matter with superconducting phonon detectors operating at 20 mK. Superconducting detectors have several fundamental and practical advantages which have resulted in their rapid adoption by experimenters. Their excellent performance arises in part from reductions in noise resulting from their low operating temperatures, but unique superconducting properties provide a wide range of mechanisms for detection. For example, the steep dependence of resistance with temperature on the superconductor/normal transition provides a sensitive thermometer for calorimetric and bolometric applications. Parametric changes in the properties of superconducting resonators provides a mechanism for high sensitivity detection of submillimeter photons. From a practical point of view, the use of superconducting detectors has grown rapidly because many of these devices couple well to SQUID amplifiers, which are easily integrated with the detectors. These SQUID-based amplifiers and multiplexers have matured with the detectors; they are convenient to use, and have excellent noise performance. The first generation of fully integrated large scale superconducting detection systems are now being deployed. I will discuss the prospects for a new generation of instruments designed to take full advantage of the revolution in detector technology.
Document ID
20090012412
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Moseley, Harvey
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
February 22, 2009
Subject Category
Instrumentation And Photography
Meeting Information
Meeting: The Evolution of Dust in the Local and Early Universe
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: February 22, 2009
End Date: February 26, 2009
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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