M.C. Gaidis

Experimental quasiparticle dynamics in a superconducting, imaging x-ray spectrometer

We present an experimental study of the time scales for various quasiparticle processes in a superconducting single photon spectrometer. Processes studied include quasiparticle recombination, diffusion, trapping, tunneling, and energy redistribution. Experiments were performed with a double junction, imaging x-ray detector whose charge output provides a measure of the photon energy. Time scales are extracted with a simple model and the values of several parameters, including the diffusion constant and recombination time, are found to differ from theoretical predictions. These results provide guidelines for performance analysis, device scaling, and future designs.

Single photon imaging X-ray spectrometers using low noise current preamplifiers with dc voltage bias

We have developed superconducting single-photon imaging X-ray detectors with an energy resolution of 54 eV at 6 keV and a spatial resolution of 1 /spl mu/m over an effective length of 40 /spl mu/m. They utilize a current-sensitive low-noise preamplifier with a dc voltage bias. It has a signal bandwidth of 300 kHz, current noise of i/sub n/=0.26 pA//spl radic/(Hz) and voltage noise of e/sub n/=0.5 nV//spl radic/(Hz) with an input capacitance of 200 pF under operating conditions. Injected pulses with a charge Q=3.7/spl middot/10/sup 6/ electrons have been measured with a standard deviation /spl sigma/Q=3400 electrons, corresponding to an electronic noise of 13 eV at 6 keV.

Noise mechanisms in superconducting tunnel-junction detectors

We present a theory and measurements of noise mechanisms in superconducting tunnel-junction detectors used as single-photon spectrometers. These mechanisms result from incomplete cooling of the excited quasiparticles in the tunnel-junction electrode. Due to the incomplete cooling, only a fraction of the initially created charge is collected by tunneling. Additional effects include reduced dynamic resistance, voltage dependence of the integrated charge, and increased statistical broadening of the signal. We demonstrate these noise mechanisms in our device, and show that they explain the measured energy resolution of 25 eV at 5.9 keV. We also suggest ways to reduce their contribution in future devices.

Superconducting Al-trilayer tunnel junctions for use as X-ray detectors

Photolithographic techniques have been developed to fabricate high-quality Al-Al oxide-Al superconducting tunnel junctions for use in X-ray detectors. These devices are designed to incorporate approximately=1- mu m-thick superconducting X-ray absorbers for the detection of <10-keV single photons. In an effort to increase energy resolution, superconductor bandgap engineering with lateral and vertical trapping has been used to shorten quasi-particle tunneling times and diffusion lengths and to prevent quasi-particle diffusion away from the tunnel junction. Methods that have been developed for overcoming materials incompatibility and device degradation upon thermal cycling are reported. The authors also report on the use of a nonrectangular tunnel junction geometry which reduces the magnetic field needed to suppress the Josephson current for stable biasing. Work in progress to measure the energy resolution of these X-ray detectors at 0.35 K is also discussed.<<ETX>>

Dynamics and energy distribution of nonequilibrium quasiparticles in superconducting tunnel junctions

We present a full theoretical and experimental study of the dynamics and energy distribution of nonequilibrium quasiparticles in superconducting tunnel junctions (STJ’s ). STJ’s are often used for single-photon spectrometers, where the numbers of quasiparticles excited by a photon provide a measure of the photon energy. The magnitude and fluctuations of the signal current in STJ detectors are in large part determined by the quasiparticle dynamics and energy distribution during the detection process. We use this as motivation to study the transport and energy distribution of nonequilibrium quasiparticles excited by x-ray photons in a lateral, imaging junction configuration. We present a full numerical model for the tunneling current of the major physical processes which determine the signal. We find that a diffusion framework models the quasiparticle dynamics well and that excited quasiparticles do not equilibrate to the lattice temperature during the time scales for tunneling. We extract physical time scales from the measured data, make comparisons with existing theories, and comment on implications for superconducting mesoscopic systems and single-photon detectors.

Superconducting NbTaAlAlOxAl X-ray detectors with spatial resolution

Abstract Superconducting X-ray detectors based on SIS tunnel junctions offer potential for high spectral resolution and single photon efficiency. When used in a double junction geometry, they also offer spatial resolution needed for focal plane imaging. We are developing Nbue5f8Taue5f8Alue5f8AlOxue5f8Al detectors for space-based X-ray astronomy applications. The design employs superconductor bandgap engineering for improved charge collection and adaptability for double junction geometries. For irradiation of a single junction device with 6 keV X-rays at a single location, the detectors have an energy resolution of 87 eV at 0.27 K. Initial studies of double junction detectors show a spectral resolution of 178 eV and an inferred spatial resolution of 4 μm over an effective length of 60 μm.

Superconducting Nb-Ta-Al-AlOx-Al tunnel junctions for x-ray detection

We report progress on the microlithographic fabrication of Nb-Ta-Al-AlOx-Al structures designed for x-ray detection. These structures use bandgap engineering both for quasiparticle trapping to increase the collection efficiency and to prevent quasiparticle diffusion out through the leads. Non-standard tunnel junction geometries are used to reduce the magnetic field needed to suppress the Josephson current for stable biasing. The performance of these devices as alpha particle detectors is presented.

Single photon imaging X-ray spectrometers

We have developed superconducting, single-photon imaging X-ray detectors with an energy resolution of 26 eV FWHM at 6 keV and a spatial resolution of 0.5 /spl mu/m over an effective area of 18 /spl mu/m/spl times/100 /spl mu/m. The energy resolution is among the best reported for this kind of detector and is within a factor of /spl ap/4 of its theoretical limit. The calculated absorption efficiency of the detector is 28%. Scaling to larger areas and higher quantum efficiency appear possible. We discuss the device design and readout along with possible sources of resolution broadening.