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At least 19 records

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NASA NTRS2010

Longitudinal Proximity Effect, Lateral Inverse Proximity Effect, and Nonequilibrium Superconductivity in Transition-edge Sensors

We have recently shown that normal-metal/superconductor (N/S) bilayer TESs (superconducting Transition-Edge Sensors) exhibit weak-link behavior. Our measurements were explained in terms of a longitudinal proximity effect model in which superconducting order from the higher transition temperature leads is induced into the TES bilayer plane over remarkably long distances (up to 290 micron). Here we extend our understanding to include TESs with added noise-mitigating normal-metal structures (N structures). We explain our results of an effect converse to the longitudinal proximity effect (LoPE), the lateral inverse proximity effect (LaiPE), for which the order parameter in the N/S bilayer is reduced due to the neighboring N structures. We present resistance and critical current measurements as a function of temperature and magnetic field taken on square Mo/Au bilayer TESs with lengths ranging from 8 to 130 micron with and without added N structures. We observe the inverse proximity effect on the bilayer over in-plane distances many tens of microns and find the transition shifts to lower temperature scale approximately as the inverse square of the in-plane N-structure separation distance, without appreciable broadening of the transition width. We find TESs with added Au structures exhibit weak-link behavior as evidenced by exponential temperature dependence of the critical current and Josephson-like oscillations of the critical current with applied magnetic field. We also present evidence for nonequilbrium superconductivity and estimate a quasiparticle lifetime of 1.8 x 10(exp -10) s for the bilayer. The LoPE model is also used to explain the increased conductivity at temperatures above the bilayer's steep resistive transition

Sadleir, John E.↗

NASA NTRS2010

Longitudinal Proximity Effect, Lateral Inverse Proximity Effect, and Nonequilibrium Superconductivity in Transition-Edge Sensors

We have recently shown that normal-metal/superconductor (N /S) bilayer TESs (superconducting Transition-Edge Sensors) exhibit weak-link behavior. Our measurements were explained in terms of a longitudinal proximity effect model in which superconducting order from the higher transition temperature leads is induced into the TES bilayer plane over remarkably long distances (up to 290 micron). Here we extend our understanding to include TESs with added noise-mitigating normal-metal structures (N structures). We explain our results in terms of an effect converse to the longitudinal proximity effect (LoPE), the lateral inverse proximity effect (LaiPE), for which the order parameter in the N /S bilayer is reduced due to the neighboring N structures. We present resistance and critical current measurements as a function of temperature and magnetic field taken on square Mo/Au bilayer TESs with lengths ranging from 8 to 130 micron with and without added N structures. We observe the inverse proximity effect on the bilayer over in-plane distances many tens of microns and find the transition shifts to lower temperatures scale approximately as the inverse square of the in-plane N-structure separation distance, without appreciable broadening of the transition width. We find TESs with added Au structures exhibit weak-link behavior as evidenced by exponential temperature dependence of the critical current and Josephson-like oscillations of the critical current with applied magnetic field. We also present evidence for nonequilbrium superconductivity and estimate a quasiparticle lifetime of 1.8 x 10(exp -10) s for the bilayer. The LoPE model is also used to explain the increased conductivity at temperatures above the bilayer's steep resistive transition.

Sadleir, John E.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Proximity Effects and Nonequilibrium Superconductivity in Transition-Edge Sensors

We have recently shown that normal-metal/superconductor (N/S) bilayer TESs (superconducting Transition-Edge Sensors) exhibit weak-link behavior.l Here we extend our understanding to include TESs with added noise-mitigating normal-metal structures (N structures). We find TESs with added Au structures also exhibit weak-link behavior as evidenced by exponential temperature dependence of the critical current and Josephson-like oscillations of the critical current with applied magnetic field. We explain our results in terms of an effect converse to the longitudinal proximity effect (LoPE) 1, the lateral inverse proximity effect (LaiPE), for which the order parameter in the N/S bilayer is reduced due to the neighboring N structures. Resistance and critical current measurements are presented as a function of temperature and magnetic field taken on square Mol Au bilayer TESs with lengths ranging from 8 to 130 {\mu}m with and without added N structures. We observe the inverse proximity effect on the bilayer over in-plane distances many tens of microns and find the transition shifts to lower temperatures scale approximately as the inverse square of the in- plane N-structure separation distance, without appreciable broadening of the transition width. We also present evidence for nonequilbrium superconductivity and estimate a quasiparticle lifetime of 1.8 \times 10-10 s for the bilayer. The LoPE model is also used to explain the increased conductivity at temperatures above the bilayer's steep resistive transition.

Sadleir, John E.↗

NASA NTRS2012

Can the Lateral Proximity Effect Be Used to Create the Superconducting Transition of a Micron-Sized TES?

Recent measurements of micron-sized Mo/Au bilayer Transition Edge Sensors (TESs) have demonstrated that the TES can behave like an S-S'-S weak link due to the lateral proximity effect from superconducting leads. In this regime the Tc is a function of bias current, and the effective Tc shifts from the bilayer Tc towards the lead Tc. We explore the idea that a micron-sized S-N-S weak link could provide a new method to engineer the TES Tc. This method would be particularly useful when small size requirements for a bilayer TES (such as for a hot-electron microbolometer) lead to undesirable shifts in the bilayer Te. We present measurements of a variety of micron-sized normal Au 'TES' devices with Nb leads. We find no evidence of a superconducting transition in the Au film of these devices, in dramatic contrast to the strong lateral proximity effect seen in micron-sized Mo/Au bilayer devices. The absence of a transition in these devices is also in disagreement with theoretical predictions for S-N-S weak links. We hypothesize that a finite contact resistance between the Nb and Au may be weakening the effect. We conclude that the use of the lateral proximity effect to create a superconducting transition will be difficult given current fabrication procedures.

Barrentine, E. M.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Results of wind tunnel tests at Mach 5 on the .004 scale model 2A configuration space shuttle to determine proximity effects and orbiter control effectiveness during orbiter/external tank abort separation (IAG)

Results from tests in the NASA/MSFC Trisonic Wind Tunnel on 0.004-Scale Orbiter and External Tank Force Models in Close Proximity (RTLS Abort Separation Conditions) are presented. The primary test objectives were to obtain data concerning proximity effects on the aerodynamic forces and moments experienced by Vehicle 2A Configuration Shuttle Orbiter and External Tank during an abort separation (Return to Launch Site) at a Mach number of 5. Additionally, data on orbiter control effectiveness during such an abort was obtained. Proximity effects were investigated for relative angles of incidence from minus 5 deg to plus 10 deg of the orbiter FRL with respect to the external tank centerline over a range of vertical and longitudinal displacements from the mated position to 2.5 tank diameters below and 3 tank diameters aft of the mated position.

Garton, W. P.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Longitudinal Proximity Effects in Superconducting Transition-Edge Sensors

We have found experimentally that the critical current of a square superconducting transition-edge sensor (TES) depends exponentially upon the side length L and the square root of the temperature T. As a consequence, the effective transition temperature T(sub c) of the TES is current-dependent and at fixed current scales as 1/L(sup 2). We also have found that the critical current can show clear Fraunhofer-like oscillations in an applied magnetic field, similar to those found in Josephson junctions. The observed behavior has a natural theoretical explanation in terms of longitudinal proximity effects if the TES is regarded as a weak link between superconducting leads. We have observed the proximity effect in these devices over extraordinarily long lengths exceeding 100 microns.

Sadleir, John E.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Longitudinal Proximity Effects in Superconducting Transition-Edge Sensors

We have found experimentally that the critical current of a square thin-film superconducting transition-edge sensor (TES) depends exponentially upon the side length L and the square root of the temperature T, a behavior that has a natural theoretical explanation in terms of longitudinal proximity effects if the TES is regarded as a weak link between superconducting leads. As a consequence, the effective transition temperature T(sub c) of the TES is current-dependent and at fixed current scales as 1/L(sup 2). We also have found that the critical current can show clear Fraunhofer-like oscillations in an applied magnetic field, similar to those found in Josephson junctions. We have observed the longitudinal proximity effect in these devices over extraordinarily long lengths up to 290 micrometers, 1450 times the mean-free path.

Sadlier, John E.↗

NASA NTRS2010

Longitudinal Proximity Effects in Superconducting Transition-Edge Sensors

Sadleir, John E.↗

NASA NTRS2012

The Role of Proximity Effects in Transition-Edge Sensor Design and Performance

Transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeters and bolometers are under development by numerous groups worldwide for a variety of applications involving the measurement of particle and photon radiation. Recent experimental and theoretical progress has led to the realization that the fundamental physics of some TES systems involves the longitudinal proximity effect between the electrical bias contacts and the TES. As such, these devices are described as SS'S (or SN'S) weak-links exhibiting Fraunhofer-like magnetic field dependence, and exponential temperature dependence, of the critical current. These discoveries, for the first time, provide a realistic theoretical framework for predicting the resistive transition as a function of temperature, current and magnetic field. In this contribution, we review the latest theoretical and experimental results and investigate how proximity effects play an important role in determining the resistive transition characteristics, which ultimately determines the dynamic range and energy resolution of TES detectors. We investigate how these effects could be utilized in device design to engineer desired transition characteristics for a given application.

Smith, Stephen J.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Phase holograms in PMMA with proximity effect correction

Complex computer generated phase holograms (CGPH's) have been fabricated in PMMA by partial e-beam exposure and subsequent partial development. The CGPH was encoded as a sequence of phase delay pixels and written by the JEOL JBX-5D2 E-beam lithography system, a different dose being assigned to each value of phase delay. Following carefully controlled partial development, the pattern appeared rendered in relief in the PMMA, which then acts as the phase-delay medium. The exposure dose was in the range 20-200 micro-C/sq cm, and very aggressive development in pure acetone led to low contrast. This enabled etch depth control to better than plus or minus lambda(sub vis)/60. That result was obtained by exposing isolated 50 micron square patches and measuring resist removal over the central area where the proximity effect dose was uniform and related only to the local exposure. For complex CGPH's with pixel size of the order of the e-beam proximity effect radius, the patterns must be corrected for the extra exposure caused by electrons scattered back up out of the substrate. This has been accomplished by deconvolving the two-dimensional dose deposition function with the desired dose pattern. The deposition function, which plays much the same role as an instrument response function, was carefully measured under the exact conditions used to expose the samples. The devices fabricated were designed with 16 equal phase steps per retardation cycle, were up to 1 cm square, and consisted of up to 100 million 0.3-2.0 micron square pixels. Data files were up to 500 MB long and exposure times ranged to tens of hours. A Fresnel phase lens was fabricated that had diffraction limited optical performance with better than 85 percent efficiency.

Maker, Paul D.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Stationary Properties of High Critical Temperature Proximity Effect Josephson Junctions

The data is reviewed about superconductor-normal-superconductor (SNS) devices, and the conclusion is drawn that there is no conventional proximity effect in the majority of reported high Tc devices. The present experimental and theoretical understanding of SNS junctions is discussed as well as implications for future research.

superconductors↗

NASA NTRS1974

DC responsivity of proximity effect bridges to high frequency radiation

The effect of microwave radiation on the dc current-voltage characteristic of proximity effect bridges has been studied at frequencies of 10, 35, and 90 GHz. The properties of bridges fabricated in layered films of Nb and Ta are reported. The fraction, epsilon, of the incident radiant power absorbed by the bridge is measured calorimetrically, permitting determination of the intrinsic responsivity (volts per watt of power absorbed when operated in a current-biased mode). In the test geometry employed, epsilon is typically about .0001 for a 0.1 ohm Nb-Ta bridge, and increases roughly linearly with dc junction resistance. Broad-band responsivity is generally independent of incident power, increases with increasing critical current (decreasing temperature), and decreases with increasing frequency. Peak responsivities achieved to date are about 100,000 V/W (absorbed) at 10 GHz and about 100 V/W (absorbed) at 90 GHz.

Hauser, M. G.↗

NASA NTRS1993

The quasar proximity effect in an equivalent-width-limited sample of the Lyman-alpha forest

We have obtained a simple analytical approximation to the relationship between a rest-frame equivalent-width distribution for Ly-alpha forest absorption lines, N(W), and an H I column density distribution of the observed cloud number, N(N). Assuming a simple power-law form for N(N) proportional to N exp (1-beta), it is shown that beta = 1.4 turns out to agree fairly well with the observed form of N(W) in a broad range of column densities. We present a theoretical analysis of how the 'proximity effect' influences a W-limited sample of Ly-alpha forest lines. It is shown that this influence is considerably smaller than has been found before for a N-limited sample, for which an approximate value of beta was assumed rather than derived as has been done, for a W-limited sample, in the present paper. As a result, available observational data appear to be still consistent with the conjecture that the observed population of QSOs is the major source of the UV background at redshifts z about 2-4.

Chernomordik, Viktor V.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Quasar ionization of Lyman-alpha clouds - The proximity effect, a probe of the ultraviolet background at high redshift

The distribution of lines in the Ly-alpha forests in quasar spectra is examined using spectral data from 19 quasars with emission lines redshifts z sub Q ranging from 1.7 to 3.8. The number density of Ly-alpha lines generally increases with resdhift z, but there exists a countervailing trend of diminishing number density within individual quasar spectra as z tends to z sub Q. Evidence is presented that this countervailing trend is due to enhanced ionization of Ly-alpha clouds by the bright nearby quasars in whose spectra they are observed. It is suggested that this proximity effect should be used as a powerful tool to measure locally the ionizing flux emitted by high-redshift objects.

Bajtlik, Stanislaw↗

NASA NTRS2001

Large-mutation spectra induced at hemizygous loci by low-LET radiation: evidence for intrachromosomal proximity effects

A mathematical model is used to analyze mutant spectra for large mutations induced by low-LET radiation. The model equations are based mainly on two-break misrejoining that leads to deletions or translocations. It is assumed, as a working hypothesis, that the initial damage induced by low-LET radiation is located randomly in the genome. Specifically, we analyzed data for two hemizygous loci: CD59- mutants, mainly very large-scale deletions (>3 Mbp), in human-hamster hybrid cells, and data from the literature on those HPRT- mutants which involve at least deletion of the whole gene, and often of additional flanking markers (approximately 50-kbp to approximately 4.4-Mbp deletions). For five data sets, we estimated f, the probability that two given breaks on the same chromosome will misrejoin to make a deletion, as a function of the separation between the breaks. We found that f is larger for nearby breaks than for breaks that are more widely separated; i.e., there is a "proximity effect". For acute irradiation, the values of f determined from the data are consistent with the corresponding break misrejoining parameters found previously in quantitative modeling of chromosome aberrations. The value of f was somewhat smaller for protracted irradiation than for acute irradiation at a given total dose; i.e., the mutation data show a decrease that was smaller than expected for dose protraction by fractionation or low dose rate.

Non-NASA Center↗

NASA NTRS1957

Exploratory Study of Ground Proximity Effects on Thrust of Annular and Circular Nozzles

The proximity of the ground to an annular nozzle can result in thrust augmentation of up to 50 percent. The magnitude of thrust augmentation was a function of ground-to-nozzle distance, nozzle configuration, and nozzle pressure ratio. With a conventional circular nozzle a thrust reduction of 15 to 40 percent due to ground effect was obtained. The degree of thrust reduction was primarily a function of nozzle pressure ratio and ground-to-nozzle distance.

BOOSTER SYSTEMS AUXILIARY - GAS TURBINES↗

NASA NTRS1971

Proximity effect between superconducting and normal metals

Electrical characteristics of thin films of tin vapor deposited on gold substrates are described. Favorable characteristics of these films include: (1) shiny and smooth finishes; (2) higher Josephson critical currents; (3) smaller electronic mean paths; and (4) consistent current-voltage curve shapes. One unfavorable characteristic is a much steeper increase of the Josephson critical current with decreasing temperature. The functional variation of the Josephson current with the control current is described. Two functional forms have been observed and a brief description as to possible mechanisms for this behavior have been included.

Meissner, H.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Proximity effect between superconductivity and normal metals

The SNS junctions were limited to having gold (n) layers of less than 3000 A in order to avoid having the tin (S) films become normal under the influence of the signal current in the gold. The gold layer was alloyed with 10 wt% copper to shorten its electronic mean free path, increasing the tin layer critical current while decreasing the Josephson critical current. It was also found that a previously reported anomalous voltage shift in the presence of I2 is caused by the tin being driven normal. After deposition, the samples were transferred to a conventional cryostat to provide better thermal contact to the films. This reduction of heating in the films produced more linear I-V characteristics and a change in the constant voltage current gain. In order to achieve power gain the SNS device must be operated at lower temperatures were the effects of fluctuations are less and be constructed such that the input resistance is much reduced and the dynamic output resistance increased. A geometry is proposed using a more sophisticated evaporator.

Meissner, H.↗