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Published on: May 31, 2018
Zeptojoule calorimetry
András Márton Gunyhó1, Kassius Kohvakka1, Qi-Ming Chen1
1QCD Laboratories, QTF Centre of Excellence, Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland.
This study demonstrates zeptojoule calorimetry using a metallic superconductor-normal-conductor-superconductor sensor. This breakthrough enables precise energy measurement of microwave pulses, paving the way for single-photon detection.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Technology
- Energy Measurement
- Superconducting Devices
Background:
- Bolometers and calorimeters are sensitive thermal energy detectors.
- Superconductor-normal-conductor-superconductor sensors offer theoretical high-resolution energy detection.
- Previous estimates relied solely on mathematical models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally validate zeptojoule calorimetry with a metallic superconductor-normal-conductor-superconductor sensor.
- To achieve high-resolution energy measurement of microwave pulses.
- To explore real-time single-photon detection capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a metallic superconductor-normal-conductor-superconductor sensor for calorimetry.
- Measured the energy of 1-microsecond-long 8.4-GHz microwave pulses.
- Analyzed the full-width at half-maximum energy resolution.
Main Results:
- Achieved a full-width at half-maximum energy resolution finer than 0.95 ± 0.02 zJ.
- This resolution corresponds to approximately 170 photons at 8.4 GHz.
- Demonstrated experimental feasibility of zeptojoule calorimetry.
Conclusions:
- Metallic superconductor-normal-conductor-superconductor sensors are effective for zeptojoule calorimetry.
- The technique offers a promising route for real-time calorimetric detection of single photons in the 10-GHz range.
- Advances quantum technology and computing energy measurement capabilities.
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