Theoretical modeling of optical and x-ray photon counting kinetic inductance detectors

George A. Vardulakis; Stafford Withington; David J. Goldie

doi:10.1117/12.550901

29 September 2004 Theoretical modeling of optical and x-ray photon counting kinetic inductance detectors

George A. Vardulakis, Stafford Withington, David J. Goldie

Proceedings Volume 5499, Optical and Infrared Detectors for Astronomy; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.550901
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2004, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Abstract

We present a theoretical model of a superconducting kinetic inductance detector which promises high sensitivity and energy resolution from submillimetre to X-ray wavelengths. Cooper-pair breaking photons are absorbed in a superconductor, exciting quasiparticles which change the surface inductance. By arranging the detector in a resonant circuit we can measure the resulting phase-shift of a microwave probe signal. Software has been created to model the superconducting characteristics of the detector and its behaviour when a photon is absorbed. The model predicts the position sensitivity of the detector and calculates how quasiparticles diffuse and recombine to a thermal background level. This temporal evolution of quasiparticle dynamics gives rise to a measurable phase-shift pulse, which will allow the energy and time of a photon to be measured. Pulse shapes have been simulated for photon energies of 1-5 keV being absorbed at the sensitive ground-end of the detector.

Citation Download Citation

George A. Vardulakis, Stafford Withington, and David J. Goldie "Theoretical modeling of optical and x-ray photon counting kinetic inductance detectors", Proc. SPIE 5499, Optical and Infrared Detectors for Astronomy, (29 September 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.550901

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