Objective
The project proposes to develop the novel concept of ultra-sensitive super conducting quantum detector for applications in astronomy. Depending on the super conducting material and operation conditions, such a detector may obtain a background limited noise equivalent power 10^-21 W Hz^-1/2 and a high dynamic range in the terahertz frequencies, when exposed to 4-K background radiation. Planar layout and relatively simple technology favour integration of elementary detectors into a detector array.
The key element of the super conducting quantum detector is a super conducting film patterned into a narrow strip, which is biased along its length with the current slightly less than the critical current at the operation temperature. The film thickness should be comparable or smaller than its width. Once a photon is absorbed at some point in the strip, it produces a high-energy electron, which then shares its energy with low-energy electrons by means of electron-electron and electron phonon interaction. The detector exploits a combined detection mechanism, in which avalanche quasi-particle multiplication and super-current jointly produce a voltage response to a single absorbed photon via the successive formation of normal hotspot and phase-slip-centres in a narrow super conducting strip. The authors of the project have demonstrated infrared single photon detection by NbN super conducting strip. The use of a material with smaller transition temperature will shift the cut-off towards longer wavelength. In this project we propose to use such materials as Ti, Ta and TaN.
Another purpose of the project is to develop semi-analytical models of non-equilibrium phenomena in the superconductor single-layer nanostructures that would be suitable for the design of single quantum detectors matching practical needs. Such a model is required for automation of the design and for prediction of the device characteristics in order to practically achieve ultimate performance of detectors in the broad spectral range from far infrared to X-rays.
This project will significantly contribute to several branches of science and technology. It will enrich radioastronomic instrumentation for the THz and FIR frequency range that will help to explore stellar formation in nebulae and dark clouds. Improvement of instrumentation in this frequency range is also important for atmospheric science and remote sensing of atmospheric trace gases playing a critical catalysing role in the ozone destruction cycle. Single quantum devices will be useful both as ultimate sensitive wide band detectors with good spectral resolution and elements of quantum logic devices ("qubits") for quantum cryptography and computing.
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
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Coordinator
3584 CA Utrecht
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.