Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorescence microscopy and specifically to improvements of method for and a corresponding fluorescence microscopy system for allowing separate detection of a plurality of fluorochromes.

Abstract: A quantum computing device is fabricated by forming, on a superconductor layer, a first resist pattern defining a device region and a sensing region within the device region. The superconductor layer within the sensing region is removed, exposing a region of an underlying semiconductor layer outside the device region. The exposed region of the semiconductor layer is implanted, forming an isolation region surrounding the device region. Using an etching process subsequent to the implanting, the sensing region and a portion of the device region of the superconductor layer adjacent to the isolation region are exposed. By depositing a first metal layer within the sensing region, a tunnel junction gate is formed. A reflectrometry wire comprising a second metal within the reflectrometry region is formed. A nanorod contact using the second metal within the portion of the device region outside the sensing region is formed.

Abstract: A heat utilizing device is provided in which the thermal resistance of the wiring layer is increased while an increase in electric resistance of the wiring layer is limited. Heat utilizing device has thermistor whose electric resistance changes depending on temperature; and wiring layer that is connected to thermistor. A mean free path of phonons in wiring layer is smaller than a mean free path of phonons in an infinite medium that consists of a material of wiring layer.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for fabricating and operating superconducting photon detectors. In one aspect, a photon detector includes: (1) a first waveguide configured to guide photons from a photon source; (2) a second waveguide that is distinct and separate from the first waveguide and optically-coupled to the first waveguide; and (3) a superconducting component positioned adjacent to the second waveguide and configured to detect photons within the second waveguide.

Abstract: A touch sensor includes a substrate, and an electrode formed from a conductive stack structure including a first conductive oxide layer, a copper-containing metal layer and a second conductive oxide layer sequentially stacked from the substrate. The first conductive oxide layer and the second conductive oxide layer each include a copper-metal oxide. Chemical and mechanical stability of an electrode may be improved by the first and second conductive oxide layers.

Abstract: An x-ray spectrometer includes: an x-ray plasma source that produces first x-rays; an x-ray optic in optical communication with the x-ray plasma source and that: receives the first x-rays from the x-ray plasma source; focuses the first x-rays to produce second x-rays; and communicates the second x-rays to a sample that produces product x-rays in response to receipt of the second x-rays and second light; and a microcalorimeter array detector in optical communication with the sample and that receives the product x-rays from the sample.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a radiation detector includes a plurality of absorbers, a resistor, and a heat bath member. The absorbers absorb radiation. The resistor undergoes a change in resistance according to a change in temperature of the absorbers. The heat bath member is maintained at a temperature at which resistance of the resistor becomes equal to a specific resistance value, and is positioned to be in thermal contact with the resistor. The absorbers are positioned to be in contact with the resistor, and are arranged at a distance from each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating electricity by electromagnetic induction, using a magnetic field modulated by the formation, dissipation, and movement of vortices produced by a vortex material such as a type II superconductor. Magnetic field modulation occurs at the microscopic level, facilitating the production of high frequency electric power. Generator inductors are manufactured using microelectronic fabrication, in at least one dimension corresponding to the spacing of vortices. The vortex material fabrication method establishes the alignment of vortices and generator coils, permitting the electromagnetic induction of energy from many vortices into many coils simultaneously as a cumulative output of electricity. A thermoelectric cycle is used to convert heat energy into electricity.

Abstract: A plasmonic structure (10) comprising a layer of metal (14) in which the metal is selected from: a Group 8 to Group 11 transition metal, aluminum, germanium, antimony or bismuth, and a barrier layer (16) formed from a 2-D material disposed on a surface of the layer of metal (14). The metal layer has a roughness that permits the propagation of running plasmons along the interface of the metal layer and the barrier layer.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for fabricating and operating niobium-germanium-based superconducting devices. In one aspect, a device includes a superconducting nanowire composed of niobium-germanium, a protective layer configured to inhibit oxidation of the superconducting nanowire, and a current source configured to supply a current to the superconducting nanowire. In another aspect, a method of fabrication includes: (1) depositing a layer of niobium-germanium on a substrate; (2) removing one or more portions of the layer of niobium-germanium to define one or more nanowires; and (3) depositing a protective layer over the one or more nanowires, the protective layer adapted to inhibit oxidation of niobium-germanium in the one or more nanowires.

Abstract: A device for extracting depth information, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a light output unit for outputting infrared (IR) light; a light adjustment unit for adjusting an angle of the light outputted from the light output unit such that the light scans a first region including an object, and then adjusting the angle of the light such that the light scans a second region, which is a portion of the first region; a light input unit in which the light outputted from the light output unit and reflected from the object is inputted; and a control unit for extracting depth information of the second region by using the flight time taken up until the light outputted from the light output unit is inputted into the light input unit after being scanned to and reflected from the second region.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a slider and an optical waveguide formed in the slider and configured to receive light from a laser source. A near-field transducer (NFT) is formed on the slider at or near an air bearing surface (ABS) of the slider and optically coupled to the waveguide. A bolometric sensor is positioned proximate the NFT and exposed to at least some of the light. The bolometric sensor is configured to detect changes in output optical power of the laser source and contact between the slider and a magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: A method is provided of forming a superconductor device interconnect structure. The method includes forming a first dielectric layer overlying a substrate, and forming a base electrode in the first dielectric layer with the base electrode having a top surface aligned with the top surface of the first dielectric layer. The method further comprises forming a Josephson junction (JJ) over the base electrode, depositing a second dielectric layer over the JJ, the base electrode and the first dielectric layer, and forming a first contact through the second dielectric layer to the base electrode to electrically couple the first contact to a first end of the JJ, and a second contact through the second dielectric layer to a second end of the JJ.

Abstract: A superconductive transition edge sensor detects radiation. A wave height analyzer generates an energy spectrum of radiation using a detection signal which is output from the superconductive transition edge sensor. A temperature control section and a base line monitor mechanism acquire a physical quantity of data having correlation with detection sensitivity of the superconductive transition edge sensor. A sensitivity correction arithmetic operation unit associates the physical quantity of a plurality of pieces of the acquired data at a plurality of different timings over a predetermined period of time with the detection signal at a certain timing and corrects the detection signal at the certain timing in accordance with the detection sensitivity of the superconductive transition edge sensor by using information regarding the correlation between the physical quantity of the plurality of pieces of data and the detection sensitivity of the superconductive transition edge sensor.

Abstract: A wave height analyzer generates pre-sensitivity correction data using a radiation pulse signal transmitted from a room temperature amplifier, a heater value acquired from a temperature control section, a base line of a current flowing to a TES acquired from a base line monitor mechanism. The wave height analyzer outputs the pre-sensitivity correction data to a sensitivity correction arithmetic operation unit and receives post-sensitivity correction data, on which sensitivity correction is performed. The wave height analyzer generates composite data of a combination of the pre-sensitivity correction data and the post-sensitivity correction data. A spectrum display section receives pieces of composite data sequentially created by the wave height analyzer and displays at least one of a spectrum before sensitivity correction and a spectrum after sensitivity correction, in response to receiving an operator's request.

Abstract: Substrates, systems and methods for analyzing materials that include waveguide arrays disposed upon or within the substrate such that evanescent fields emanating from the waveguides illuminate materials disposed upon or proximal to the surface of the substrate, permitting analysis of such materials. The substrates, systems and methods are used in a variety of analytical operations, including, inter alia, nucleic acid analysis, including hybridization and sequencing analyses, cellular analyses and other molecular analyses.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a base layer; and a superconducting nanowire disposed on the base layer in a continuous meander pattern and including an amorphous metal-metalloid alloy such that the apparatus is configured to detect single photons, and the continuous meander pattern includes: a plurality of parallel line segments; and a plurality of curved segments, wherein adjacent parallel line segments are joined by a curved segment.

Abstract: A microcalorimeter for radiation detection that uses superconducting kinetic inductance resonators as the thermometers. The detector is frequency-multiplexed which enables detector systems with a large number of pixels.

Abstract: A system and method for characterizing incident ions are provided. The method includes positioning a transmission line detector to receive incident ions, the transmission line detector comprising a superconducting meandering wire defining a detection area for incident ions, and applying a bias current to the transmission line detector. The method also includes detecting a first signal produced in the transmission line detector due to an ion impacting the detection area, and detecting a second signal produced in the transmission line detector due to the ion impacting the detection area. The method further includes analyzing the first signal and the second signal to characterize the ion. In some aspects, the method further includes identifying a delay between the first signal and the second signal to determine, using the identified delay, a location of the ion on the detection area.

Abstract: A flux detection apparatus can include a radioactive sample having a decay rate capable of changing in response to interaction with a first particle or a field, and a detector associated with the radioactive sample. The detector is responsive to a second particle or radiation formed by decay of the radioactive sample. The rate of decay of the radioactive sample can be correlated to flux of the first particle or the field. Detection of the first particle or the field can provide an early warning for an impending solar event.

Abstract: The present invention introduces a detector that is able to detect single microwave photons propagating in a waveguide. The waveguide of the invention is lowered to a temperature where it becomes superconductive. Disposed between a middle wire and a ground plane of the waveguide is a very small piece of a desired normal metal, whereby so-called SN contacts are formed between these materials. A separate reflection measurement circuit is coupled to the normal metal piece. When the impedance of the waveguide is matched to the impedance of the normal metal piece as well as possible, a photon propagating in the waveguide is most likely absorbed in the normal metal. The absorption slightly raises the temperature of the piece, which further changes the impedance observed in a so-called SIN junction between the reflection measurement circuit and the piece.

Abstract: A superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SN-SPD) microelectronic circuit is described which has higher quantum efficiency and signal-to-noise than any SN-SPD's known in the art. The material and configuration of the microelectronic circuit eliminates the polarization dependence and shows improved signal-to-noise over SN-SPD microelectronic circuits known in the art. The higher efficiency, polarization independence, and high signal-to-noise is achieved by vertically stacking two tungsten-silicide (TS) SN-SPDs and electrically connecting them in parallel. This structure forms a multilayer superconducting nanowire avalanche photo-detector (SNAP). A single photon detection device employing the multilayer (SNAP) microelectronic circuit demonstrates a peak system detection efficiency of 87.7% and a polarization dependence of less than 2%. This represents nearly an order of magnitude improvement in both system detection efficiency and reduction of polarization dependence compared to conventional SNSPDs.

Abstract: A radiation analyzer includes a transition edge sensor for detecting radiation and a cold head that cools the transition edge sensor. A current detecting mechanism detects a current flowing in the transition edge sensor, and a peak analyzing unit measures a peak value based on the current detected by the current detecting mechanism. A first heater is configured to heat the cold head to keep a temperature of the transition edge sensor constant. A sensitivity correction operating unit is configured to correct a sensitivity of the transition edge sensor based on a relation obtained in advance between an output of the first heater and the peak value measured by the peak analyzing unit.

Abstract: Detected ion charge states are discriminated in a mass spectrograph using a superconducting stripline detector (SSLD) as the detector thereof. A set of mass spectra of the singly charged or higher ions, the doubly charged or higher ions, the triply charged or higher ions (and successively higher ion charge states) are determined by measuring the mass spectra successively while decreasing the bias current flowing through the superconducting stripline detector. Then, the data of singly charged ions alone can be determined by subtracting the data of the doubly charged or higher ions from the data of the singly charged or higher ions. In a similar manner, the data of doubly charged ions alone, the data of triply charged ions alone (and similarly successively multiply charged ions) can also be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining a beam parameter of an asymmetrical photon beam generated by an accelerator are provided. A beam profile of a symmetrical photon beam is measured and normalized. For the asymmetrical photon beam, a normalization of the beam profile is implemented such that the maximum of the profile corresponds to a value of the normalized symmetrical beam profile at the site of the maximum. The parameter determination takes place using a conventional beam parameter definition.

Abstract: Methods for forming sensors using transition edge sensors (TES) and sensors therefrom are described. The method includes forming a plurality of sensor arrays includes at least one TES device. The TES device includes a TES device body, a first superconducting lead contacting a first portion of the TES device body, and a second superconducting lead contacting of a second portion of the TES device body, where the first and second superconducting leads separated on the TES device body by a lead spacing. The lead spacing can be selected to be different for at least two of the plurality of sensor arrays. The method also includes determining a transition temperature for each of the plurality of sensor arrays and generating a signal responsive to detecting a change in the electrical characteristics of one of the plurality of sensor arrays meeting a transition temperature criterion.

Abstract: The present invention introduces a detector that is able to detect single microwave photons propagating in a waveguide. The waveguide of the invention is lowered to a temperature where it becomes superconductive. Disposed between a middle wire and a ground plane of the waveguide is a very small piece of a desired normal metal, whereby so-called SN contacts are formed between these materials. A separate reflection measurement circuit is coupled to the normal metal piece. When the impedance of the waveguide is matched to the impedance of the normal metal piece as well as possible, a photon propagating in the waveguide is most likely absorbed in the normal metal. The absorption slightly raises the temperature of the piece, which further changes the impedance observed in a so-called SIN junction between the reflection measurement circuit and the piece.

Abstract: With radiation detectors in which the energy of radiation is absorbed in a semiconductor or insulator radiation absorber, where that energy is converted to phonons, and the radiation is measured by measuring those phonons with a phonon sensor provided on the surface of the radiation absorber, part of the energy of the radiation is expended in generating electron-hole pairs, and that portion of the energy does not contribute to the signal from the phonon sensor, resulting in low sensitivity and poor energy resolution. A radiation absorber, in which a high concentration of recombination centers is introduced so that electrons and holes excited by radiation recombine in a short time equal to or shorter than a signal extraction time, is used for the radiation detector. Therefore, the energy given to electron-hole pairs is also converted to phonons, thus improving the sensitivity and energy resolution of the radiation detector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and an apparatus to identify alpha-emitting radionuclides and to measure absolute alpha radioactivity using a low temperature detector. A 4? metallic absorber which encloses a radioactive material containing alpha-emitting radionuclides absorbs the total alpha decay energy in the form of thermal energy. The corresponding temperature changes are measured by a low temperature detector attached to the 4? absorber with high energy resolution. The identification of alpha-emitting radionuclides is declared by comparing the measured temperature signal with characteristic decay energy of radionuclides. The absolute amount of the radionuclides is determined by counting the number of the pulses for each of the identified nuclides.

Abstract: A superconducting metallic glass transition-edge sensor (MGTES) and a method for fabricating the MGTES are provided. A single-layer superconducting amorphous metal alloy is deposited on a substrate. The single-layer superconducting amorphous metal alloy is an absorber for the MGTES and is electrically connected to a circuit configured for readout and biasing to sense electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: An ultra-sensitive optical detector with large time resolution, using a surface plasmon. The optical detector is configured to detect at least one photon, and including a dielectric substrate, and on the substrate, at least one bolometric detection component, that generates an electrical signal from the energy of received photon(s). Additionally, at least one coupling component is formed on the substrate, distinct from the detection component and including a metal component, and generates a surface plasmon by interaction with the photon(s) and guiding the plasmon right up to the detection component, which then absorbs the energy of the surface plasmon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a long-range surface plasmon optical waveguide sensor which has a reduced loss of an electromagnetic wave, an increased sensitivity and limitation of detection and a high analysis speed, and enables fabrication of a sensor of various sizes such as a small-sized or lightweight system, etc.

Abstract: Provided is an X-ray analyzer capable of significantly suppressing an influence of an external magnetic field on a transition edge sensor (TES). The X-ray analyzer includes: a TES (7) for detecting energy of a received X-ray as a temperature change and outputting the temperature change as a current signal; a superconducting magnetic shield (8) which contains the TES (7) and enters a superconducting state; and a room temperature magnetic shield (9) which covers the superconducting magnetic shield (8) and performs external magnetic field shielding until the superconducting magnetic shield (8) enters the superconducting state, in which the superconducting magnetic shield (8) and the room temperature magnetic shield (9) are concentrically arranged to have a cylindrical shape.

Abstract: Methods for forming sensors using transition edge sensors (TES) and sensors therefrom are described. The method includes forming a plurality of sensor arrays includes at least one TES device. The TES device includes a TES device body, a first superconducting lead contacting a first portion of the TES device body, and a second superconducting lead contacting of a second portion of the TES device body, where the first and second superconducting leads separated on the TES device body by a lead spacing. The lead spacing can be selected to be different for at least two of the plurality of sensor arrays. The method also includes determining a transition temperature for each of the plurality of sensor arrays and generating a signal responsive to detecting a change in the electrical characteristics of one of the plurality of sensor arrays meeting a transition temperature criterion.

Abstract: A superconducting radiometry apparatus has a micro-calorie meter that detects an energy of a radiant ray as a temperature change. A signal detection mechanism detects an electric current flowing to the micro-calorie meter. A heat addition device adds a quantity of heat to the micro-calorie meter. A peak value monitor measures, in synchronization with the addition of the quantity of heat to the micro-calorie meter, a peak value of an output voltage corresponding to an output signal from the signal detection mechanism. An energy correction device corrects, on the basis of an output from the peak value monitor, an energy value so as to become a peak value corresponding to the quantity of heat added to the micro-calorie meter.

Abstract: An ultrasensitive optical detector with high resolution in time, using a waveguide, and a processes for manufacturing this detector. The detector is configured to detect at least one photon and includes a dielectric substrate and at least one detection element on the substrate, configured to generate an electrical signal starting from energy of the photon received, and a guide element to guide the photon, the energy of which is then absorbed by the detection element at an absorption zone which is less than 100 nm thick. The detection element is substantially straight on the substrate and is short, and the guide element includes a single mode light waveguide with strong confinement, placed on the detection element. The detector is particularly applicable to detection and localization of operating defects in a semiconducting circuit.

Abstract: A neutron detector includes a plurality of neutron detecting element sections, each of the neutron detecting element sections having; a superconducting element including a substrate having at least one of surfaces thereof formed of a dielectric material, a strip line of the superconducting material formed on the surface and electrodes formed at opposed ends of the strip line, resistance determining sections for determining generation of heat resulting from a nuclear reaction between a superconducting element in the strip line and neutrons, through detection of change in a resistance value of said strip line, heat dissipation setting sections provided on a back side portion of the substrate opposite to the surface having the strip line formed thereon, the heat dissipation setting sections setting dissipation characteristics of the heat resulting from the nuclear reaction, and the heat dissipation characteristics being differentiated from each other between/among the neutron detecting element sections.

Abstract: This detector is intended to detect at least one photon and comprises a dielectric substrate (30), of index nO; a detecting element (32) forming a serpentine, placed on the substrate and generating a signal using the energy of the photon(s); a dielectric grating, formed of lines of index nH, alternating with lines of index nB, avec nH>nO and nH>nB, the grating being placed above the detecting element, the set grating-element presenting a resonant absorption in a given incidence and for a given polarisation; and a superstratum (40) having a refractive index ni, this superstratum being placed above the one-dimensional dielectric grating, nH being furthermore greater than ni.

Abstract: A high time-resolution ultrasensitive optical detector, using a planar waveguide leakage mode, and methods for making the detector. The detector includes a stacking with a dielectric substrate, a detection element, first and second dielectric layers, and a dielectric superstrate configured to send photon(s) into the light guide formed by the first layer. The thicknesses of the layers is chosen to enable a resonant coupling between the photon(s) and a leakage mode of the guide, the stacking having an absorption resonance linked to the leakage mode for a given polarization of the photon(s).

Abstract: A compact, solid-state THz source based on the driven Josephson vortex lattice in a highly anisotropic superconductor such as Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 that allows cw emission at tunable frequency. A second order metallic Bragg grating is used to achieve impedance matching and to induce surface emission of THz-radiation from a Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 sample. Steering of the emitted THz beam is accomplished by tuning the Josephson vortex spacing around the grating period using a superimposed magnetic control field.

Abstract: A cryogenic detector is used for detection in a biological assay.

Abstract: There is provided a superconducting radiometry apparatus capable of performing, while sample-measuring, an energy correction in regard to a fluctuation of a peak value of an output signal, which is due to a radiation heat and a magnetic field from an outside.

Abstract: A multi-element optical detector includes a plurality of optical detector elements capable of producing an output signal having information about the state of an incident electromagnetic radiation as a function of time. An active region includes a photosensitive region of one of the optical detector elements separated in part or in whole from the photosensitive region of at least one other optical detector element by a distance less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation that the optical detector elements are being used to detect.

Abstract: To provide a superconducting X-ray detector capable of carrying out a measurement by a high energy resolution by restraining a reduction in a sensitivity by a self magnetic field.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to an apparatus for inspecting a substrate using charged particles. The apparatus includes an illumination subsystem, an objective subsystem, a projection subsystem, and a beam separator interconnecting those subsystems. The apparatus further includes a detection system which includes a scintillating screen, a detector array, and an optical coupling apparatus positioned therebetween. The optical coupling apparatus includes both refractive and reflective elements. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A high time-resolution ultrasensitive optical detector, using a planar waveguide leakage mode, and methods for making the detector. The detector includes a stacking with a dielectric substrate, a detection element, first and second dielectric layers, and a dielectric superstrate configured to send photon(s) into the light guide formed by the first layer. The thicknesses of the layers is chosen to enable a resonant coupling between the photon(s) and a leakage mode of the guide, the stacking having an absorption resonance linked to the leakage mode for a given polarization of the photon(s).

Abstract: A neutron detector includes a plurality of neutron detecting element sections, each of the neutron detecting element sections having; a superconducting element including a substrate having at least one of surfaces thereof formed of a dielectric material, a strip line of the superconducting material formed on the surface and electrodes formed at opposed ends of the strip line, resistance determining sections for determining generation of heat resulting from a nuclear reaction between a superconducting element in the strip line and neutrons, through detection of change in a resistance value of said strip line, heat dissipation setting sections provided on a back side portion of the substrate opposite to the surface having the strip line formed thereon, the heat dissipation setting sections setting dissipation characteristics of the heat resulting from the nuclear reaction, and the heat dissipation characteristics being differentiated from each other between/among the neutron detecting element sections.

Abstract: This detector is intended to detect at least one photon and comprises a dielectric substrate (30), of index nO; a detecting element (32) forming a serpentine, placed on the substrate and generating a signal using the energy of the photon(s); a dielectric grating, formed of lines of index nH, alternating with lines of index nB, avec nH>nO and nH>nB, the grating being placed above the detecting element, the set grating-element presenting a resonant absorption in a given incidence and for a given polarisation; and a superstratum (40) having a refractive index ni, this superstratum being placed above the one-dimensional dielectric grating, nH being furthermore greater than ni.

Abstract: An ultra-sensitive optical detector with large time resolution, using a surface plasmon. The optical detector is configured to detect at least one photon, and including a dielectric substrate, and on the substrate, at least one bolometric detection component, that generates an electrical signal from the energy of received photon(s). Additionally, at least one coupling component is formed on the substrate, distinct from the detection component and including a metal component, and generates a surface plasmon by interaction with the photon(s) and guiding the plasmon right up to the detection component, which then absorbs the energy of the surface plasmon.

Abstract: Superconducting Gamma-ray and fast-neutron spectrometers with very high energy resolution operated at very low temperatures are provided. The sensor consists of a bulk absorber and a superconducting thermometer weakly coupled to a cold reservoir, and determines the energy of the incident particle from the rise in temperature upon absorption. A superconducting film operated at the transition between its superconducting and its normal state is used as the thermometer, and sensor operation at reservoir temperatures around 0.1 K reduces thermal fluctuations and thus enables very high energy resolution. Depending on the choice of absorber material, the spectrometer can be configured either as a Gamma-spectrometer or as a fast-neutron spectrometer.