Developing Large Arrays of Superconducting Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors for Future Astronomy Instrumentation

About the Project

The Cardiff Astronomy Instrumentation Group (AIG) is one of the world leaders in Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detector (MKID) development. These superconducting detectors are the most promising technology for the next generation of millimetre – THz wave detectors. Along with ultra-high sensitivity, theses detectors can be multiplexed into large format arrays allowing as many as 10,000 detectors to be read out on a single channel making them suitable for a range of ground and space-based applications. Along with our collaborators, Cardiff has proven this technology for photometric applications on ground-based telescopes and industrial THz imaging systems.

The next generation of millimetre and sub-millimetre focal planes will require over an order of magnitude increase in detector counts over current instruments while maintaining sensitivity. MKID technology is a natural frontrunner to provide the solution to this requirement, but development work is necessary to reduce detector size, increase and make efficient use of focal plane area and increase multiplexing ratios. Making use of new and unique state-of-the-art fabrication facilities available to the Astronomy Instrumentation Group at Cardiff, this project will work towards addressing these challenges by studying both fundamental device physics, superconducting material properties, fabrication techniques and focal plane design for future instruments. The project will aim to demonstrate a fully characterised focal plane module that is scalable to the requirements of future instrumentation in this area.

Students can expect to learn a variety of skills including Cryogenics, superconductivity theory and application, detector design and testing, microwave design using industry standard 2D and 3D modelling software and device fabrication using cutting edge cleanroom facilities.

For any more information, contact Professor Simon Doyle DoyleSM@cardiff.ac.uk

The typical academic requirement is a minimum of a 2:1 physics and astronomy or a relevant discipline.

Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. IELTS 6.5 Overall with 5.5 minimum in sub-scores)

How to apply

Applicants should apply to the Doctor of Philosophy in Physics and Astronomy.

Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/physics-and-astronomy) including:

• your academic CV
• Your degree certificates and transcripts to date including certified translations if these are not in English
• a personal statement/covering letter
• two references, at least one of which should be academic. Your references can be emailed by the referee to physics-admissions@cardiff.ac.uk

Please note: We are do not contact referees directly for references for each applicant due to the volume of applications we receive.

In the "Research Proposal" section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project.

In the funding section, please select that you will be self-funded or include your own sponsorship or scholarship details.

Once your application is submitted, we will review it and advise you within a few weeks if you have been shortlisted for an interview.