Research Areas - (2) SIS Receiver for ALMA / Sub-mm Arrays

Full path: Astronomy / Astrophysics > Astronomical Instrumentation > CMB Detector Instrumentation > THz Superconducting Mixer / Heterodyne Receiver > SIS Receiver for ALMA / Sub-mm Arrays

Jian-Rong Gao 🔗
Delft University of Technology 🔗
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Department(s)/lab(s): Imaging Physics (ImPhys) | Gao Lab (THz SC Detectors) @ TU Delft
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Jian-Rong Gao develops superconducting THz heterodyne detector arrays for radio astronomy and fundamental physics applications. Key work: (1) hot electron bolometer (HEB) and SIS mixer THz receivers operating at sub-mm and THz frequencies; (2) detector arrays for space and ground-based radio telescopes (Herschel, ALMA, and future missions); (3) low-noise amplification at THz frequencies. Joint professor TU Delft and SRON (Netherlands Institute for Space Research).

Boon Kok Tan 🔗
University of Oxford 🔗
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Department(s)/lab(s): Physics (Astrophysics Sub-department) | Superconducting Quantum Detectors Group @ Oxford
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Tan leads the Superconducting Quantum Detectors group, holding ERC Starting and Consolidator Grants. Two main research pillars: (1) Quantum-limited SIS mixer development — pushing THz SIS heterodyne receivers above the Nb gap (~700 GHz) using NbTiN/NbN films for next-generation ALMA wideband sensitivity upgrade (Band 9) and large-format focal-plane mixer arrays for JCMT/SMA; (2) Superconducting parametric amplifiers (TWPAs) — fabricating kinetic-inductance and Josephson-junction TWPAs achieving near-quantum-limited broadband noise performance from microwave to THz, with applications to dark matter/axion searches (ABRACADABRA/prototype cavity haloscope), quantum computing qubit readout, and CMB-grade receivers. Group is transitioning TWPA fabrication in-house using Beecroft Building cleanroom. ERC Consolidator Grant awarded 2024.