Implications of weak-link behavior on the performance of Mo/Au bilayer transition-edge sensors

Smith, S. J.; Adams, J. S.; Bailey, C. N.; Bandler, S. R.; Busch, S. E.; Chervenak, James A.; Eckart, Megan E.; Finkbeiner, F. M.; Kilbourne, Caroline A.; Kelley, R. L.; Lee, Sang Jun; Porst, Jan‐Patrick; Porter, F. S.; Sadleir, J. E.

doi:10.1063/1.4818917

Cited by 62 publications

(87 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…The data is measured between ∼ 2% and ∼60% R/R N for all devices (where R N ∼ 10 m is the normal state resistance). Also shown are data for a single 140 µm device [16]. The data uses the same measurement and analysis techniques [16].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Small Pitch Transition-Edge Sensors with Broadband High Spectral Resolution for Solar Physics

et al. 2012

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We are developing small pitch transition-edge sensor (TES) X-ray detectors optimized for solar astronomy. These devices are fabricated on thick Si substrates with embedded Cu heat-sink layer. We use 35 × 35 µm 2 Mo/Au TESs with 4.5 µm thick Au absorbers. We have tested devices with different geometric absorber stem contact areas with the TES and surrounding substrate area. This allows us to investigate the loss of athermal phonons to the substrate. Results show a correlation between the stem contact area and a broadening in the spectral line shape indicative of athermal phonon loss. When the contact area is minimized we have obtained exceptional broadband spectral resolution of 1.28 ± 0.03 eV at an energy of 1.5 keV, 1.58 ± 0.07 eV at 5.9 keV and 1.96 ± 0.08 eV at 8 keV. The linearity in the measured gain scale is understood in the context of the longitudinal proximity effect from the electrical bias leads resulting in transition characteristics that are strongly dependent upon TES size.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Small Pitch Transition-Edge Sensors with Broadband High Spectral Resolution for Solar Physics

et al. 2012

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“…In addition, we explored the array-scale uniformity in light of the understanding that our Mo/Au TESs act as weak superconducting links, which causes the TES critical current (I c ) to oscillate with applied magnetic field (B) [8]. In previous work, we have correlated these oscillations to periodicities in the parameters α and β, which describe the transition shape, and periodicities in detector noise [9]. This indicates that we can use I c (B) measurements from pixels across an array as a tool to predict the uniformity of pixel performance.…”

Section: Uniformitymentioning

confidence: 98%

“…Another important aspect we must address, but which is beyond the scope of this paper, is experimental verification of the magnetic-field stability that is required for good spectral performance. Future work will address this area in detail, and our studies to-date are presented in[9].…”

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confidence: 99%

Kilopixel X-ray Microcalorimeter Arrays for Astrophysics: Device Performance and Uniformity

et al. 2012

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We are developing kilo-pixel arrays of TES microcalorimeters to enable high-resolution X-ray imaging spectrometers for future X-ray observatories and laboratory astrophysics experiments. Our current array design was targeted as a prototype for the X-ray Microcalorimeter Spectrometer proposed for the International X-ray Observatory, which calls for a 40x40-pixel core array of 300 micron devices with 2.5 e V energy resolution (at 6 keV). Here we present device characterization of our 32x32 arrays, including X-ray spectral performance of individual pixels within the ar.r:ay. We present our results in light of the understanding that our Mo/Au TESs act as weak superconducting links, causing the TES critical current (I c) and transition shape to oscillate with applied magnetic field (B). We show Ic(B) measurements and discuss the uniformity of these measurements across the array, as well as implications regarding the uniformity of device noise and response. In addition, we are working to reduce pixel-to-pixel electrical and thermal crosstalk; we present recent test results from an array that has microstrip wiring and an angle-evaporated Cu backside heatsinking layer, which provides Cu coverage on the four sidewalls of the silicon wens beneath each pixel.https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search

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“…In each case, six other pixels are biased such that their bias currents run close to the measured pixel, though on the righthand plot, some of the six pixels are also located near to the measured pixel in the array. The Ie (B) curve of these pixels is known to be a sensitive measurement of fields applied to the TES devices [8,9]. When the neighbors are biased at high currents, the beat generated is sufficient to suppress the magnitude of the critical current (through local increase in the base temperature of the silicon frame) without perceptibly shifting the magnetic field sensitive features in the data.…”

Section: Design and Testingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Then a 3-4 ~ thick photoresist layer is patterned to provide absorber attachment locations to both the TES and to open areas of the membrane. Typically this "stem" (absorber support post) area is minimized to reduce electrical effects on the TES [8] and hot phonon loss to the membrane [9]. A seed layer (typically TI/Au) is deposited for electroplating.…”

Section: Fabricationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fabrication of Microstripline Wiring for Large Format Transition Edge Sensor Arrays

et al. 2012

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We have developed a process to integrate microstripline wiring with transition edge sensors (TES). The process includes additional layers for metal-etch slOp and dielectric adhesion 10 enable recovery of parameters achieved in non-microstrip pixel designs. We report on device parameters in close-packed TES arrays achieved with the microstrip process including Rn. G. and Tc uniformity. Further. we investigate limits of this method of producing high-density. microstrip wiring including critical current to determine the ultimate scalability of TES arrays with two layers of wiring.

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Implications of weak-link behavior on the performance of Mo/Au bilayer transition-edge sensors

Cited by 62 publications

References 39 publications

Small Pitch Transition-Edge Sensors with Broadband High Spectral Resolution for Solar Physics

Small Pitch Transition-Edge Sensors with Broadband High Spectral Resolution for Solar Physics

Kilopixel X-ray Microcalorimeter Arrays for Astrophysics: Device Performance and Uniformity

Fabrication of Microstripline Wiring for Large Format Transition Edge Sensor Arrays

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