Journal Article

Superconducting NbN Coplanar Switch Driven by DC Current for CMB Instruments

Cammilleri, V. D., Zannoni, M., Bleurvacq, N., Ghribi, A., Bélier, B., Piat, M., Tartari, A., Bordier, G.

2014

Overview

The next generations of cosmic microwave background (CMB) instruments will be dedicated to the detection and characterisation of CMB B-modes. To measure this tiny signal, instruments need to control and minimise systematics. Signal modulation is one way to achieve such a control. New generation of focal planes will include the entire detection chain on chip. In this context, we present a superconducting coplanar switch driven by DC current. It consists of a superconducting micro-bridge which commutes between its on (superconducting) and off (normal metal) states, depending on the amplitude of the current injection. To be effective, we have to use a high normal state resistivity superconducting material with a gap frequency higher than the frequencies of operation (millimeter waves). Several measurements were made at low temperature on NbN and yielded very high resistivities. Preliminary results of components dc behavior is shown. Thanks to its low power consumption, fast modulation and low weight, this component is a perfect candidate for future CMB space missions.

• Publisher: Springer US,Springer Nature B.V,Springer Verlag (Germany)
• Subject: Astrophysics / Characterization and Evaluation of Materials / Collaboration / Condensed Matter Physics / Cosmic microwave background / Cosmology / Current injection / Direct current / Electrical resistivity / Focal plane / Low temperature / Low temperature physics / Magnetic Materials / Magnetism / Millimeter waves / Modulation / Niobium nitride / Physics / Physics and Astronomy / Space missions / Superconductivity / Switches / Temperature / Thin films