The article discusses NIST’s Quantum Electronics Group’s Sensor Readout Project, which focuses on developing low-noise readout techniques for sensitive cryogenic sensors. The project leverages superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs), low-noise superconducting parametric amplifiers, and other novel superconducting devices to enable low-noise and large-scale readout of sensitive cryogenic sensors.
The project is developing SQUID ammeters for the next generation of X-ray observatories, including the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Athena mission and its X-IFU instrument. The X-IFU is an imaging X-ray spectrometer that will contain a pixelated array of several thousand transition-edge sensors (TESs) provided by NASA. NIST’s Quantum Sensors Group has been contracted to provide the readout circuitry for the signal currents from the TESs.
The project is also working on maturing microwave SQUID multiplexing technology for potential future NASA X-ray satellite missions. This technology allows reading out several thousand sensors simultaneously on a single pair of coaxial cables. The Quantum Sensors Readout project designs and builds custom room-temperature electronics necessary for end-to-end readout with these systems, including intermediate frequency conversion electronics and custom firmware and software for multiplexed readout.
The project promotes the wider adoption of the sensor and multiplexing technology developed in the Quantum Sensors Group by designing and building custom room-temperature electronics for end-to-end readout. Most of the microwave SQUID multiplexed readout systems in operation worldwide use firmware and software developed by the Quantum Sensors group.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/detector-readout-project
Keywords: SQUIDs, Superconducting, Transition-edge sensors, Microwave, Resonators
