A block of 310 GHz waveguide-mounted superconducting mixer chips, used at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's Submillimeter Array in Hawaii.

An optical micrograph of one sensor for an antenna coupled array polarimeter for 150 GHz operation. Several elements are shown here, including the superconducting transition edge sensor (TES).

Superconducting Materials and Devices includes research and development pertaining to far infrared sensors (in the spectral region where wavelengths range from 50-3000 microns). Researchers in this area focus on developing new materials and structures to implement detector concepts that will result in advances in ultra-sensitive instruments. The ultra-high sensitivity is needed for next-generation observations of interest in astronomy and astrophysics. These devices will be incorporated into future instruments for imaging and spectroscopic observations, some with polarimetry capability in addition. Current activities include Transition-Edge Sensor (TES) arrays, Microwave Kinetic-Inductance Detector (MKID) arrays, and new structures for sensitive detection of infrared photons, coupled to low-noise readout electronics. Microfabrication techniques are critical in the development of these devices, as well as special-purpose cryocoolers, cryostats, and ultra-low temperature refrigerators.