SUPERCONDUCTING TECHNOLOGIES
Superconducting technologies are fundamental to a wide range of future applications, from state-of-the-art astronomical instrumentation for large observatories to devices for quantum computing and single-photon detectors based on superconducting nanowires. In recent years, we have developed, in very close collaboration with IMDEA Nanoscience, the expertise and infrastructure required for the development of microwave superconducting technologies. This includes the design, nanofabrication, and low-temperature (mK) electrical and optical characterization of large-format resonator arrays.
ASTRONOMICAL INSTRUMENTATION: KINETIC INDUCTANCE DETECTORS
Within the field of microwave superconducting technologies, Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KIDs) represent the state of the art in radiation detection for millimeter, submillimeter, and far-infrared astronomical instrumentation. In this context, we have participated in the European project SPACEKIDS, funded under FP7, aimed at developing advanced KID arrays for space missions. We were also involved in the CORE mission proposal, submitted to the European Space Agency M5 call in 2017, and we are currently contributing to the PRIMA NASA probe mission. In addition, we are members of the NIKA2, KISS, and CONCERTO collaborations, led by the Institut Néel–CNRS, which focus on the development of large-format KID-based cameras operating in the millimeter range, designed to map dust emission polarization and the Cosmic Microwave Background. At the national level, we lead the Spanish network KIDsNET, which coordinates KID development efforts across Spain. The Centro de Astrobiología (CAB) also leads the CADEx experiment, which develops KID arrays for dark matter axion detection within the W-band (75–110 GHz), hosted at the Laboratorio Subterráneo de Canfranc. Furthermore, we participate in the AtLAST observatory project, a next-generation 50-meter-class single-dish telescope planned by the European Southern Observatory, where we are studying KIDs as the baseline detector technology.
QUANTUM COMPUTING: SUPERCONDUCTING RESONATORS
High-quality superconducting circuits are an essential component of state-of-the-art quantum computers. Our group is optimizing the development of high quality resonators, performing simulations, nanofabrication and cryogenic characterization of an hybrid quantum processor unit based on molecular qubits. These high quality resonators have the potential to be employed for the development of other key quantum technologies such as parametric amplifiers or quantum sensors of organic materials.
The Team
Alicia Gómez (Research scientist)
Víctor Rollano (Postdoctoral researcher)
Alejandro Pascual Laguna (Postdoctoral researcher)
María Teresa Magaz Pérez (Research Technician)
David Rodríguez (PhD. student)
Víctor Ávila (Bachelor’s student)
Elia Francisco (Bachelor’s student)
Pablo Quiles (Master’s student)