Superconducting quantum detectors

Abstract:

The coupling and possible nonequilibrium between magnons and other energy carriers have been used to explain several recently discovered thermally driven spin transport and energy conversion phenomena. Here, we report experiments in which local nonequilibrium between magnons and phonons in a single crystalline bulk magnetic insulator, Y_{3}Fe_{5}O_{12}, has been created optically within a focused laser spot and probed directly via micro-Brillouin light scattering. Through analyzing the deviation in the magnon number density from the local equilibrium value, we obtain the diffusion length of thermal magnons. By explicitly establishing and observing local nonequilibrium between magnons and phonons, our studies represent an important step toward a quantitative understanding of various spin-heat coupling phenomena.

Abstract:

The Far InfraRed Spectroscopic EXplorer (FIRSPEX) is a novel concept for an astronomy satellite mission that will revolutionise our understanding of the properties of the Interstellar Medium (ISM) and star formation through velocity resolved spectroscopic observations at multi-terahertz frequencies. FIRSPEX comprises a fully cryogenic (~4K) heterodyne payload and a ~1.2 m primary antenna to scan the sky in a number of discreet spectroscopic channels delivering 3- dimensional spectral information. The spectral range selected contains important molecular, atomic and ionic species; the majority of which cannot be observed from the ground. FIRSPEX is UK led with additional contributions from partners throughout Europe. FIRSPEX opens up a relatively unexplored parameter space that will produce an enormously significant scientific legacy by focusing on the properties of the multi-phase ISM, the assembly of molecular clouds in our Galaxy and the onset of star formation topics which are fundamental to our understanding of galaxy evolution.

Abstract:

The Far InfraRed Spectroscopic EXplorer (FIRSPEX) is a novel concept for an astronomy satellite mission that will revolutionise our understanding of the properties of the Interstellar Medium (ISM) and star formation through velocity resolved spectroscopic observations at multi-terahertz frequencies. FIRSPEX comprises a fully cryogenic (~4K) heterodyne payload and a ~1.2 m primary antenna to scan the sky in a number of discreet spectroscopic channels delivering 3- dimensional spectral information. The spectral range selected contains important molecular, atomic and ionic species; the majority of which cannot be observed from the ground. FIRSPEX is UK led with additional contributions from partners throughout Europe. FIRSPEX opens up a relatively unexplored parameter space that will produce an enormously significant scientific legacy by focusing on the properties of the multi-phase ISM, the assembly of molecular clouds in our Galaxy and the onset of star formation topics which are fundamental to our understanding of galaxy evolution.