Superconducting optical sensors on a compact coolant-free system platform. Project report SUSY. Realization of a functional pattern of a novel optical instrument based on superconducting sensors. Final report

The overall goal of the joint project was to make the high performance of superconducting optical sensors accessible for industrial applications. In addition to the need to adapt suitable sensor concepts, there was also the task of researching a user-friendly system concept of a new type of optical measuring instrument based on the system of a user-friendly low-temperature platform. To demonstrate and evaluate this system concept, the innovative SUSY instrument was implemented as a functional model. For this purpose, two optical sensors were demonstrated as examples, which exceed the state of the art in the respective application: - Edge bolometer for Fourier transformation spectroscopy in the range 50 μm-2 mm, - Superconducting single-photon counter in the visible spectral range. Both applications are representative of the general requirements for optical measuring systems. The focus of the subproject was the electrical readout of the optical sensors, the evaluation and provision of the necessary readout, amplification and control electronics, as well as the system integration, according to the competence field of the company SUPRACON. The scientific and technical goals of the project consisted in the research of suitable system solutions and sensor designs for the implementation of the system concept and the functional models.