Quantum sensing using a qubit for the detection of ionizing radiation

Conference · Wed Oct 09 04:00:00 EDT 2024 · Hard X-Ray, Gamma-Ray, and Neutron Detector Physics XXVI

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3029915· OSTI ID:2472745

Freeman, Matthew L. ^[1]; Skinner-Ramos, Sueli ^[1]; Lewis, Rupert M. ^[1]; Carr, Stephen M. ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Quantum sensing utilizes the inherent sensitivity of a quantum system to external stimuli. Our goal is to leverage this sensitivity to develop a quantum sensor designed for the detection of ionizing radiation. Here we report on the design, fabrication, and measurement of a new quantum device for hard x-ray and gamma-ray detection. Our quantum device is based on a superconducting quantum bit (qubit) with superconducting tunnel junctions as the core device elements. We describe our experimental investigation directed toward the detection metrics of energy resolution, dynamic range, and active area. In contrast to existing superconducting detectors, the active area per qubit may be much larger than the physical area of the tunnel junctions or the physical area of the qubit device, due to the sensitivity of quantum coherence to ionizing radiation deposition within a radius on the millimeter or centimeter scale. Furthermore, our experimental design enables an ionizing radiation source at room temperature to be detected by our quantum sensor at low temperature.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• DOE Contract Number: NA0003525
• OSTI ID: 2472745
• Report Number(s): SAND--2024-14220J
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Hard X-Ray, Gamma-Ray, and Neutron Detector Physics XXVI Journal Issue: 131510H Journal Volume: 13151
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

qubit
radiation
sensing