- Our researchers have developed a receiving system based on a 2D antenna array with cold electron bolometers for the frequency of 345 GHz for the OLIMPO project.
- We have reached the threshold level of sensitivity of cold electron bolometers limited by photon noise of incoming signal.
- We have developed a cold electron bolometer that works with record strength of electron self-cooling. Electron temperature of the absorber reached as low as 65 mK at the phonon temperature of 300 mK.
- We have developed a resonance cold electron bolometer with a nanofilter based on kinetic inductance of a superconducting NbN band for multi-frequency systems of the ESA-COrE space telescope of the European Space Agency and other missions.
- The Laboratory has developed a concept of multi-frequency receiving pixel based on the capacity of the cold electron bolometers and resonance properties of slot antennas for the SA-COrE mission in the frequency range between 75 and 105 GHz. The article in the Superconductor Science and Technology journal was named the best article of the issue and provided the cover image for it.
- We have designed a photon counter in the range between 3 and 50 GHz based on tunneling Josephson SIS junctions to search for galactic axions of dark matter. The dark switching time is 600 seconds which is by five orders of magnitude higher than the value observed in niobium SIS junctions.
Implemented results of research:
- We have developed a receiving system that relies on a 2D antenna array with cold electron bolometers at the frequency of 345 GHz for the OLIMP project is implemented into the project. One testing unit has already flown on OLIMPO in June 2018 to check influence of cosmic rays on it. Units with 2D arrays of bolometers are being prepared for the next launch of OLIMPO or LSPE.
- The developed new concept for samples with nanofilters based on capacity of cold element bolometers and resonance characteristics of slot antennas is implemented in multi-frequency systems for 220/240 GHz for the LSPE balloon-borne telescope.
- The developed a photon counter for the range between 3 and 50 GHz that relies on tunneling Josephson SIS junctions is used for the QUAX international project (Padova, Italy) to search for galactic axions – supposed dark matter particles. We are currently developing a one-photon counter for 14 GHz for attachment to high-quality resonators where where interaction with axions in strong magnetic field is expected.
- The developed receiver complex for research of the astroclimate we have introduced practices of research in atmospheric absorption into our research practices, studying a series of grounds of working and future sub-THz observatories. We have conducted 6 expeditions, collected unique data on the astroclimate that allow to radically increase quality of design of observatories and to save significant amounts of resources during their construction. Among these observatories are: the Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences, «Sufra», «Badary», the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory, the Pushchino Radioastronomical Observatory, the Karadag Radioastronomical Scientific Stateion of the Nizhniy Novgorod State University. Among future grounds are the Mondy village, the Mus-Khaya mountin, the Ai-Petri mountain, the Karadag mountain etc.
Education and career development:
- The Laboratory have developed and launched the lecture course «Radioelectronic devices for research of the environment and artificial objects» for masters degree students supplemented with a series (5 devices) laboratory classes and case studies.
- We have organized internships for students of the Nizhniy Novgorod State University and the Nizhniy Novgorod State Technical University: 18 students were assigned by the enter of Cryogenic Nanoelectronics completed internships in partner organization of Moscow, Gothenburg and Rome.
- One doctoral dissertation, 3 candidate dissertations and 6 masters degrees theses have been defended.
Organizational and structural changes: In 2014, after the end of the mega-grant, the Laboratory has converted to the Center of Cryogenic Nanoelectronics.
Other results:
- The patent for a useful model No. 167585 granted on 10 January 2017 «A multi-frequency planar slot antenna of the seashell type for two polarizations», authors: L.S. Kuzmin, A.V. Chigiyev, Ye.A. Matrozova, A.S. Sobolev.
- The patent for a useful model No. 178649 granted on 16 April 2018 «A 2D array of cross-dipole antennas for two polarization with bolometers based on cold electrons for the OLIMPO aerostat telescope», authors: L.S. Kuzmin, A. S. Sobolev, A.L. Pankratov, A.V. Gordeeva.
- Certificates of registration of software packages No. 2014617274, No. 2015614275, No. 2016616727, No. 201661350.
Collaborations:
- Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden): creation of experimental bolometer devices, joint research and publications, student exchanges, academic events
- Sapienza University of Rome (Italy): launching observatories on air balloons, joint research and publications, student exchanges, academic events
- Royal Holloway of the University of London (United Kingdom): joint research and publications, student exchanges, academic events
