Improving the Resolving Power of Ultraviolet to Near-Infrared Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors, 1st ed. 2022
Springer Theses Series

This thesis represents a breakthrough in our understanding of the noise processes in Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs). While the detection of ultraviolet to near-infrared light is useful for a variety of applications from dark matter searches to biological imaging and astronomy, the performance of these detectors often limits the achievable science. The author?s work explains the limits on spectral resolution broadening, and uses this knowledge to more than double the world record spectral resolution for an MKID suitable for optical and near-IR astrophysics, with emphasis on developing detectors for exoplanet detection. The techniques developed have implication for phonon control in many different devices, particularly in limiting cosmic ray-induced decoherence in superconducting qubits. In addition, this thesis is highly accessible, with a thorough, pedagogical approach that will benefit generations of students in this area.

Chapter 1. Introduction and Motivation.- Chapter 2. MKID Physics.- Chapter 3. Data Analysis.- Chapter 4. Sensor Materials.- Chapter 5. Detector and Readout Noise.- Chapter 6. Solving the Phonon Problem.- Chapter 7. Conclusions.

Presents dramatic improvements in the performance of MKIDs Describes applications to exoplanet imaging Provides an accessible introduction to MKID physics and exoplanet discovery