Ultra-Low-Noise Transition Edge Sensors for X-ray and High-Energy Physics Applications

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A Transition Edge Sensor (TES) is an ultra-low-noise photon counting device. It is being developed for photon counting spectroscopic applications across large parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. The purpose of the PhD is to model, fabricate and test TESs for X-ray and high energy physics applications. The first part of the project will concentrate on understanding the behaviour of patterned superconducting bilayers using the Usadel differential equations, and then this model will be used to understand magnetic field dependence. Later work will relate to AC biased operation, modelling device-level aspects of performance, and Frequency Domain Multiplexed operation. The student will test devices fabricated in our own device processing laboratory, and will also work with the Space Research Organisation of the Netherlands to test their devices. The experimental work will require a detail knowledge of cryogenic electronics operating at 100 mK, and general cryogenic techniques. In the final phase of the project, the student will compare their numerical simulations with experimental results. The aim is to be able to create software techniques that will allow the behaviour of this very important class of device to be explored and predicted before specific designs are fabricated.