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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2011

Magnetic Penetration Effects in Small Superconducting Devices

The temperature dependent behavior of a superconducting body in an applied magnetic field involves flux penetration/expulsion both from screening currents (within a magnetic penetration depth) and variations in the superconducting order parameter (locally to form vortices or a mixed state, or globally in the Meissner effect). The temperature dependence of the magnetic penetration depth, in particular, has been used to make highly sensitive macroscopic thermometers. For the microscopic device volumes required in sensitive low temperature photon detectors, properties of actual thin film materials, non-uniformity of applied magnetic fields, and the influence of measurement circuit dynamics are complicating factors. We discuss the various penetration effects as demonstrated in a particularly promising combination of material and geometry that we have used to make sensitive x-ray microcalorimeters.

Stevenson, T. R.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Heat Capacity and Thermal Conductance Measurements of a Superconducting-Normal Mixed State by Detection of Single 3 eV Photons in a Magnetic Penetration Thermometer

We report on measurements of the detected signal pulses in a molybdenum-gold Magnetic Penetration Thermometer (MPT) in response to absorption of one or more 3 eV photons. We designed and used this MPT sensor for x-ray microcalorimetry. In this device, the diamagnetic response of a superconducting MoAu bilayer is used to sense temperature changes in response to absorbed photons, and responsivity is enhanced by a Meissner transition in which the magnetic flux penetrating the sensor changes rapidly to minimize free energy in a mixed superconducting normal state. We have previously reported on use of our MPT to study a thermal phonon energy loss to the substrate when absorbing x-rays. We now describe results of extracting heat capacity C and thermal conductance G values from pulse height and decay time of MPT pulses generated by 3 eV photons. The variation in C and G at temperatures near the Meissner transition temperature (set by an internal magnetic bias field) allow us to probe the behavior in superconducting normal mixed state of the condensation energy and the electron cooling power resulting from quasi-particle recombination and phonon emission. The information gained on electron cooling power is also relevant to the operation of other superconducting detectors, such as Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors.

superconductivity↗
NASA NTRS2012

Superconducting Effects in Optimization of Magnetic Penetration Thermometers for X-ray Microcalorimeters

We have made high resolution x-ray microcalorimeters using superconducting MoAu bilayers and Nb meander coils. The temperature sensor is a Magnetic Penetration Thermometer (MPT). Operation is similar to metallic magnetic calorimeters, but instead of the magnetic susceptibility of a paramagnetic alloy, we use the diamagnetic response of the superconducting MoAu to sense temperature changes in an x-ray absorber. Flux-temperature responsivtty can be large for small sensor heat capacity, with enough dynamic range for applications. We find models of observed flux-temperature curves require several effects to explain flux penetration or expulsion in the microscopic devices. The superconductor is non-local, with large coherence length and weak pinning of flux. At lowest temperatures, behavior is dominated by screening currents that vary as a result of the temperature dependence of the magnetic penetration depth, modified by the effect of the nonuniformity of the applied field occurring on a scale comparable to the coherence length. In the temperature regime where responslvity is greatest, spadal variations in the order parameter become important: both local variations as flux enters/leaves the film and an intermediate state is formed, and globally as changing stability of the electrical circuit creates a Meissner transition and flux is expelled/penetrates to minimize free energy.

Stevenson, Thomas R.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Concept for a high-resolution thermometer utilizing the temperature dependence of the magnetic penetration depth

A thermometer using the temperature dependence of the magnetic penetration depth in superconductors is described which has the potential for temperature resolution, when using a dc SQUID readout, on the order of 1 pK. One such device has been fabricated and characterized to demonstrate proof of concept. It consists of primary and secondary coils of NbTi wire wound on a copper toroidal core on which a thin layer of In (Tc = 3.4 K) has been deposited. The temperature dependence of the mutual inductance, M(T), or self-inductance, is used to detect changes in temperature. Measurements of M(T) have been made with an ac excitation of the primary for various frequencies and peak magnetic field strengths. Estimates of ultimate temperature resolution are given.

Shirron, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Performance and Characterization of Magnetic Penetration Thermometer Devices for X-Ray Spectroscopy

We are developing magnetic penetration thermometers (MPTs) for applications in X-ray astronomy. These non-dissipative devices consist of an X-ray absorber in good thermal contact to a superconducting thin film with a transition temperature around T=100mK. A microfabricated superconducting planar inductor underneath is used to store a persistent current and couple the superconductor's diamagnetic response to a readout SQUID. The strong temperature dependence of the diamagnetic response make these devices suitable for highly sensitive macroscopic thermometers that are capable of achieving very high energy resolution. We present results achieved with MPTs consisting of MoAu bilayer sensors attached to overhanging square 250 micron by 250 micron gold absorbers that have demonstrated an energy resolution of delta E_FWHM=2.3eV at an X-ray energy of 5.9keV. A similar device has shown delta E_FWHM=2.0eV at 1.5 keV. Under certain conditions and for specific device geometries, the temperature responsivity of the MPTs can vary on long timescales degrading the spectral performance. We present the characterization of different inductor geometries to optimize the design for the highest possible temperature sensitivity and compare different device designs with respect to responsivity stability.

Porst, J. -P.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Design of High Resolution Soft X-Ray Microcalorimeters Using Magnetic Penetration Thermometers

We have designed high-resolution soft x-ray microcalorimeters using magnetic penetration thermometers (MPTs) in an array of pixels covering a total of 2 square centimeters to have a resolving power of 300 at energies around 300 eV. This performance is desirable for studying the soft x-ray background from the warm hot intergalactic medium. MPT devices have small sensor heat capacity and high responsivities, which makes them excellent detector technology for attempting to attain sub-eV resolution. We are investigating the feasibility of pixels with absorbers that are 625 x 625 square micrometers, up to 1 x 1 square millimeters in area and 0.35 micrometer thick and thinner. Our tests have shown that suspended gold absorbers 0.35 micrometers thick (RRR = 6.7) are feasible to fabricate. We modeled the thermal diffusion from such thin gold over the size of a 625 x 625 square micrometer absorber, and conclude that the effect of the thermalization on the resolution of a 300 eV photon is an additional approximately 0.2 eV FWHM of broadening. We discuss the thermal effects of small absorber attachment sterns on solid substrate, as well as considerations for multiplexed readout. We will present the progress we have made towards building and testing this soft x-ray detector.

Busch. Sarah↗
NASA NTRS2016

Optical Probe of the Superconducting Normal Mixed State in a Magnetic Penetration Thermometer

Using ultraviolet photon pulses, we have probed the internal behavior of a molybdenum-gold Magnetic Penetration Thermometer (MPT) that we designed for x-ray microcalorimetry. In this low-temperature detector, the diamagnetic response of a superconducting MoAu bilayer is used to sense temperature changes in response to absorbed photons. We have previously described an approximate model that explains the high responsivity of the detector to temperature changes as a consequence of a Meissner transition of the molybdenum-gold film in the magnetic field applied by the superconducting circuit used to bias the detector. We compare measurements of MPT heat capacity and thermal conductance, derived from UV photon pulse data, to our model predictions for the thermodynamic properties of the sensor and for the electron cooling obtained by quasiparticle recombination. Our data on electron cooling power is also relevant to the operation of other superconducting detectors, such as Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors.

superconductivity↗
NASA NTRS1992

Magnetic penetration depth of YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) thin films determined by the power transmission method

A power transmission measurement technique was used to determine the magnetic penetration depth (lambda) of YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) superconducting thin films on LaAlO3 within the 26.5 to 40.0 GHz frequency range, and at temperatures from 20 to 300 K. Values of lambda ranging from 1100 to 2500 A were obtained at low temperatures. The anisotropy of lambda was determined from measurements of c-axis and a-axis oriented films. An estimate of the intrinsic value of lambda of 90 +/- 30 nm was obtained from the dependence of lambda on film thickness. The advantage of this technique is that it allows lambda to be determined nondestructively.

Heinen, Vernon O.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Performance of Magnetic Penetration Thermometers for X-Ray Astronomy

The ideal X-ray camera for astrophysics would have more than a million pixels and provide an energy resolution of better than leV FWHM for energies up to 10 keY. We have microfabricated and characterized thin-film magnetic penetration thermometers (MPTs) that show great promise towards meeting these capabilities. MPTs operate in similar fashion to metallic magnetic calorimeters (MMCs), except that a superconducting sensor takes the place of a paramagnetic sensor and it is the temperature dependence of the superconductor's diamagnetic response that provides the temperature sensitivity. We present a description of the design and performance of our prototype thin-film MPTs with MoAu bilayer sensors, which have demonstrated an energy resolution of approx 2 eV FWHM at 1.5 keY and 4.3 eV FWHM at 5.9 keY.

Nagler, P. C.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Determination of surface resistance and magnetic penetration depth of superconducting YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) thin films by microwave power transmission measurements

A novel waveguide power transmission measurement technique was developed to extract the complex conductivity of superconducting thin films at microwave frequencies. The microwave conductivity was taken of two laser ablated YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) thin films on LaAlO3 with transition temperatures of approx. 86.3 and 82 K, respectively, in the temperature range 25 to 300 K. From the conductivity values, the penetration depth was found to be approx. 0.54 and 0.43 micron, and the surface resistance (R sub s) to be approx. 24 and 36 micro-Ohms at 36 GHz and 76 K for the two films under consideration. The R sub s values were compared with those obtained from the change in the Q-factor of a 36 GHz Te sub 011-mode (OFHC) copper cavity by replacing one of its end walls with the superconducting sample. This technique allows noninvasive characterization of high transition temperature superconducting thin films at microwave frequencies.

Bhasin, K. B.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Determination of surface resistance and magnetic penetration depth of superconducting YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) thin films by microwave power transmission measurements

A novel waveguide power transmission measurement technique was developed to extract the complex conductivity of superconducting thin films at microwave frequencies. The microwave conductivity was taken of two laser ablated YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) thin films on LaAlO3 with transition temperatures of approximately 86.3 and 82 K, respectively, in the temperature range 25 to 300 K. From the conductivity values, the penetration depth was found to be approximately 0.54 and 0.43 micron, and the surface resistance (R sub s) to be approximately 24 and 36 micro-Ohms at 36 GHz and 76 K for the two films under consideration. The R sub s values were compared with those obtained from the change in the Q-factor of a 36 GHz Te sub 011-mode (OFHC) copper cavity by replacing one of its end walls with the superconducting sample. This technique allows noninvasive characterization of high transition superconducting thin films at microwave frequencies.

Bhasin, K. B.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Superconducting Effects in Optimization of Magnetic Penetration Thermometers for X-ray Microcalorimeters

Like MMCs, MPTs enable high energy microcalorimeters with zero bias power dissipation and potential resolution < 1 eV. MPTs can provide d(phi)/dT as large as 1000 (Phi)(sub 0)/K, with no excess noise, thereby reducing the importance of SQUID noise. Long coherence length in a Type-I superconducting MoAu film offers multiple advantages for efficient flux expulsion in MPT. Region of steepest d(phi)/dT is the Meissner effect in the small device; flux is expelled/penetrates to minimize free energy. Steepness of transition can be engineered with choice of film thickness and coil pitch relative to lambda(sub eff)(0), ratio of T/T(sub c), and bias circuit inductance.

Stevenson, T. R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Characterization of NbN films and tunnel junctions

Properties of NbN films and NbN/MgO/NbN tunnel junctions are discussed. NbN junctions are being developed for use in high-frequency, SIS quasiparticle mixers. To properly design mixer circuits, junction and film properties need to be characterized. The specific capacitance of NbN/MgO/NbN junctions has been measured as a function of the product of the normal-state resistance and the junction area (RnA), and it is found to vary by more than a factor of two (35-85 fF/sq microns) over the range of RnA measured (1000-50 ohm sq microns). This variation is important because the specific capacitance determines the RC speed of the tunnel junction at a given RnA value. The magnetic penetration depth of NbN films deposited under different conditions is also measured. The magnetic penetration depth affects the design of microstrip line used in RF tuning circuits. Control of the magnetic penetration depth is necessary to fabricate reproducible tuning circuits. Additionally, the critical current uniformity for arrays of 100 junctions has been measured. Junction uniformity will affect the design of focal-plane arrays of SIS mixers. Finally, the relevance of these measurements to the design of Josephson electronics is discussed.

Stern, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Magnetic field penetration depth of La(1.85)Sr(0.15)CuO4 measured by muon spin relaxation

Muon-spin-relaxation measurements have been performed on a high-Tc superconductor La(1.85)Sr(0.15)CuO4. In an external transverse magnetic field of 500 G, a magnetic field penetration depth of 2000 A at T = 10 K has been determined from the muon-spin-relaxation rate which increased with decreasing temperature below Tc. From this depth and the Pauli susceptibility, the superconducting carrier density is estimated at 3 x 10 to the 21st per cu cm. The zero-field relaxation rates above and below Tc were equal, which suggests that the superconducting state in this sample is not associated with detectable static magnetic ordering.

Kossler, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Magnetically-Guided Penetrant Applicator

Small wheeled vehicle moved inside nonmagnetic enclosure. Miniature magnetically guided truck uses foam-rubber sponge pads to apply penetrant fluid for inspection of welds in hidden surfaces of nonmagnetic tubes. Risk of explosion less than if electric motor used to drive vehicle. Inexpensive to make and made in range of sizes.

Molina, Orlando G.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Systematic variation of magnetic-field penetration depth in high-T(c) superconductors studied by muon spin relaxation

The muon relaxation rate (sigma) was measured in the high critical temperature superconductors YBa2Cu3O(x) for x = 6.66, 6.95, 7.0, and La1.85 Sr0.15 CuO4 in transverse external magnetic fields 1 is approximately 4kG. A simple relation is found which connects the transition temperature T(c), the magnetic field penetration depth lambda(L), the carrier concentration n(s) and the effective mass m* as T(c) varies as sigma which varies as 1/lambda(L) squared which varies as n(s)/m*. The linear dependence T(c) varies as n(s)/m* suggests a high energy scale for the coupling between superconducting carriers.

Uemura, Y. J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Systematic variation of magnetic-field penetration depth in high-Tc superconductors studied by muon-spin relaxation

The muon relaxation rate (sigma) was measured in the high critical temperature superconductors YBa2Cu3O(x) for x = 6.66, 6.95, 7.0, and La1.85 SrO.15 CuO4 in transverse external magnetic fields 1 is approximately 4 kG. A simple relation is found which connects the transition temperature T(c), the magnetic field penetration depth lambda(L), the carrier concentration n(s) and the effective mass m* as T(c) varies as sigma which varies as 1/lambda(L) squared which varies as n(s)/m*. The linear dependence T(c) varies as n(s)/m* suggests a high energy scale for the coupling between superconducting carriers.

Uemura, Y. J.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Unexpected Nonlinear Effects in Superconducting Transition-Edge Sensors

When a normal metal transitions into the superconducting state the DC resistance drops from a finite value to zero over some finite transition width in temperature, current, and magnetic field. Superconducting transition-edge sensors (TESs) operate within this transition region and uses resistive changes to measure deposited thermal energy. This resistive transition is not perfectly smooth and a wide range of TES designs and materials show sub-structure in the resistive transition (as seen in smooth nonmonotonic behavior, jump discontinuities, and hysteresis in the devices current-voltage relation and derivatives of the resistance with respect to temperature, bias current, and magnetic field). TES technology has advanced to the point where for many applications this structure is the limiting factor in performance and optimization consists of finding operating points away from these structures. For example, operating at or near this structure can lead to nonlinearity in the detectors response and gain scale, limit the spectral range of the detector by limiting the usable resistive range, and degrade energy resolution. The origin of much of this substructure is unknown. This presentation investigates a number of possible sources in turn. First we model the TES as a superconducting weak-link and solve for the characteristic differential equations current and voltage time dependence. We find:(1) measured DC biased current-voltage relationship is the time-average of a much higher frequency limit cycle solution.(2) We calculate the fundamental frequency and estimate the power radiated from the TES treating the bias leads as an antennae.(3) The solution for a set of circuit parameters becomes multivalued leading to current transitions between levels.(4)The circuit parameters can change the measure resistance and mask the true critical current. As a consequence the TES resistance surface is not just a function of temperature, current, and magnetic field but is also a function of the circuit elements (such as shunt resistor, SQUID inductance, and capacitor values). In other words, same device measured in different electrical circuits will have a different resistive surface in temperature, current, and magnetic field. Next we consider that at the transition temperature of a superconductor both the magnetic penetration depth and coherence length are divergent. As a consequence these important characteristic length scales are changing with operating point. We present measurements on devices showing commensurate behavior between these characteristic lengths and the length scale of added normal metal structures. Reordering of proximity vortices leads to discontinuities and irreversibility of the current-voltage curves. Last we consider a weak-link TES including both thermal activated resistance effects and the effect of the magnetic penetration depth being a function of temperature and magnetic field. We derive its impact on the resistive transition surface and the important device parameters a and b.

Superconducting Detectors↗