Title: NIST Develops Advanced Long Wavelength Sensors for Quantum and Astrophysical Applications
Summary:
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has launched a project to develop cutting-edge long wavelength sensors and instrumentation. These sensors are designed to detect faint signals in the microwave to far-infrared wavelength range, operating at cryogenic temperatures.
Key Applications:
1. Astrophysics: The sensors are used for precision measurements of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) and other astrophysical observables. This helps characterize the physical evolution of the universe on a large scale.
2. Quantum Sensing: The technology supports various quantum measurement applications, leveraging superconductivity principles.
3. Microwave Metrology: The project focuses on terrestrial applications, including transition edge sensor (TES) bolometers, microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKIDs), and other advanced microwave measurement technologies.
The project involves the design and micro-fabrication of custom devices that achieve sensitivity at fundamental limits. NIST often collaborates with large research teams to apply these sensors to high-impact scientific measurements.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/long-wavelength-sensors-and-applications
Keywords: Superconductivity, Quantum Measurements, Microwave Metrology
