Niobium-germanium superconducting photon detector
US10197440B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 19, 2018 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 19, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01J2005/208
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.