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Journal of Physics Conference Series

Cryogenic time-domain multiplexer based on SQUID arrays and superconducting/normal conducting switches

Nikolai Beev, M. Kiviranta, Jan van der Kuur, M. P. Bruijn, Oliver Brandel, S. Linzen, Ludwig Fritzsch, Jussi Ahoranta, Jari S Penttilä, Leif Roschier

Published May 12, 2014• 4 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We have demonstrated the operation of a 12-channel Beyer-style SQUID-based time domain multiplexer. It was manufactured using a fabrication process that is cross-compatible between VTT and IPHT-Jena. The multiplexer consists of twelve 12-SQUID series arrays, each shunted by a Zappe-style interferometer array acting as a flux-controlled superconducting/normal conducting switch. By keeping all switches but one in the superconducting state, it is possible to select one active readout channel at a time. A flux feedback coil common to all SQUID arrays allows realization of a flux-locked loop. We present characteristics of the multiplexer and measurement data from experiments with a 25-pixel X-ray calorimeter array operated at T < 100 mK in a dilution refrigerator.

DOI
10.1088/1742-6596/507/4/042003

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We have demonstrated the operation of a 12-channel Beyer-style SQUID-based time domain multiplexer. It was manufactured using a fabrication process that is cross-compatible between VTT and IPHT-Jena. The multiplexer consists of twelve 12-SQUID series arrays, each shunted by a Zappe-style interferometer array acting as a flux-controlled superconducting/normal conducting switch. By keeping all switches but one in the superconducting state, it is possible to select one active readout channel at a time. A flux feedback coil common to all SQUID arrays allows realization of a flux-locked loop. We present characteristics of the multiplexer and measurement data from experiments with a 25-pixel X-ray calorimeter array operated at T < 100 mK in a dilution refrigerator.
Abstract Time-division multiplexing constitutes a pivotal readout technique for arrays of transition edge sensors (TES). At the heart of constructing the multiplexing unit (Mux unit) lies a flux-actuated superconducting switch. The superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) is ideally suited for this role due to its compatibility with the fabrication processes of the SQUID current amplifier, which is employed to read the TES signal. This compatibility facilitates the integration of the switches with the SQUID amplifiers on a single chip. Nevertheless, the critical current of a switch based on a conventional DC-SQUID exhibits abrupt changes with the control flux near the local minimum of the threshold curve, which is the typical operating point of the SQUID amplifier. Such abrupt changes compromise the stability of the SQUID amplifier’s operational point. To mitigate this issue, a Zappe interferometer-style switch design has been adopted, providing a threshold curve with a more pronounced flat region. In this work, we present the design and characterization of Zappe-style switches and demonstrate the operational efficacy of the Mux unit.
The development of large superconducting bolometer (Transition Edge Sensor: TES) arrays requires ultra low noise amplification and multiplexing electronics. The use of a first transducer stage such as a SQUID (Superconducting QUantum Interference Device) allows ultimate performance in terms of noise. However, the linearization of the SQUID characteristic requires low noise amplification. Furthermore, to realize a time domain multiplexer with SQUIDs, switched biasing is also needed. We have designed an Integrated Circuit (IC) in standard BiCMOS SiGe technology for the readout and the control of a SQUID multiplexer. It includes a low noise amplifier with multiplexed inputs, switched current sources for SQUIDs, and digital circuit for the addressing with only one room temperature clock signal. We have successfully tested this integrated circuit down to 2 K. To validate the operation of a SQUID multiplexer controlled by this SiGe cryogenic IC, we have developed a 2×2 SQUID hybrid demonstrator. It consists of four commercial SQUIDs connected to a SiGe IC.
We have designed and demonstrated a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) array linearized with cryogenic feedback. To achieve the necessary loop gain, a 300-element series array SQUID is constructed from three monolithic 100-element series arrays. A feedback resistor completes the loop from the SQUID output to the input coil. The short feedback path of this linearized SQUID array (LISA) allows for a substantially larger flux-locked loop bandwidth as compared to a SQUID flux-locked loop that includes a room temperature amplifier. The bandwidth, linearity, noise performance, and 3 Phi(0) dynamic range of the LISA are sufficient for its use in our target application: the multiplexed readout of transition-edge sensor bolometers.
We have designed and demonstrated a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) array linearized with cryogenic feedback. To achieve the necessary loop gain a 300 element series array SQUID is constructed from three monolithic 100-element series arrays. A feedback resistor completes the loop from the SQUID output to the input coil. The short feedback path of this Linearized SQUID Array (LISA) allows for a substantially larger flux-locked loop bandwidth as compared to a SQUID flux-locked loop that includes a room temperature amplifier. The bandwidth, linearity, noise performance, and dynamic range of the LISA are sufficient for its use in our target application: the multiplexed readout of transition-edge sensor bolometers.
We present a novel multiplexer scheme for time-division multiplexing in superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) readout configurations. The channels of our SQUID multiplexer (SQMUX) are dc SQUID sensors which are connected in series to form a column. A superconducting-to-normalconducting switch (SN-switch) in parallel with each channel is actuated in order to activate or deactivate an individual channel of the column. With a switch in the normalconducting state, its corresponding SQUID channel is active and sensitive to an input signal. When a switch is in the superconducting state its corresponding SQUID channel is short-circuited. It is then insensitive to input signals and does not generate noise. The addressing sequence is chosen such that only one SQUID channel is active at a time. We suggest employing SN-switches which are based on dc SQUIDs themselves. Doing so enables the addressing signals of the SN-switches to be applied inductively, i.e., galvanically isolated. The SQMUX operation is demonstrated in a configuration where both the SN-switches and the sensing SQUIDs are based on SQUID series arrays.
We describe our frequency-domain readout multiplexer for transition-edge sensor (TES) bolometers and present measurements of an eight-channel multiplexer. Each sensor is biased with a sinusoidal bias at a distinct frequency. As the sensor absorbs power, it amplitude-modulates its sinusoidal bias. Sensor currents are summed and measured with a single superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) array. The SQUID array consists of 100 dc-SQUID's in series and is operated with shunt feedback electronics which have a slew rate of 1.210/sup 7/ /spl Phi//sub 0//s. A tuned filter consisting of an inductor and capacitor are placed in series with each sensor to both limit the bandwidth of the Nyquist noise from each sensor and to allow us to bias all multiplexed sensors with a common wire. We place an upper limit on crosstalk between adjacent channels of 0.004, well below our design requirements. Demodulated noise spectra from multiplexed sensors show the expected white noise levels at frequencies above 200 mHz.