Showing 1–9 of 9 results for author: Kane, E

Carbon encapsulation of levitated Au nanoparticles

Authors: Joyce E. Coppock, Sunghyun Kim, B. E. Kane

Abstract: We investigate the formation of a barrier to evaporation that develops when levitated nanoscale Au nanoparticles are exposed to pulses of 532 nm laser radiation in a high vacuum (pressure $p=10^{-8}-10^{-7}$ Torr) environment. Our data are derived from precision measurements of the charge to mass ratio ($Q/M$) of $\sim$200 nm diameter Au particles confined in a quadrupole ion trap. We characterize… ▽ More We investigate the formation of a barrier to evaporation that develops when levitated nanoscale Au nanoparticles are exposed to pulses of 532 nm laser radiation in a high vacuum (pressure $p=10^{-8}-10^{-7}$ Torr) environment. Our data are derived from precision measurements of the charge to mass ratio ($Q/M$) of $\sim$200 nm diameter Au particles confined in a quadrupole ion trap. We characterize the development of the barrier over time as the particle is repeatedly heated with laser pulses and determine the impact of variations of the interval between pulses and of exposure to several gases added to the vacuum chamber. We observe a slow increase in the mass of particles upon prolonged exposure to the vacuum, which we attribute to the growth of a barrier layer. For particles that have acquired a barrier during exposure to CO, we observe a rapid decrease in their mass upon subsequent exposure to O$_2$. These findings are consistent with the growth and subsequent oxidation of a graphene layer on the Au that forms the barrier to evaporation. However, we have not found that the rate of formation of the barrier depends on the pressure of carbon-containing gases (CO, C$_2$H$_4$, CO$_2$) we have added to the chamber. We hypothesize that a rare surface state on the solid Au particle catalyzes the reaction that introduces C to the particle. Repeated laser pulse heating is necessary--either to enable diffusion away from this state or to create fresh states that allow continued C uptake--to facilitate the growth of the surface graphene layer. △ Less

Submitted 29 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Comments: 11 pages, 8 figures

Microfabricated Au and Au/graphene bilayer platelets for levitation experiments

Authors: Sunghyun Kim, Joyce E. Coppock, B. E. Kane

Abstract: We describe a fabrication process for preparing liquid suspensions of micron-scale Au and Au/graphene bilayer platelets using thin-film deposition, optical lithography, ion milling, hydrofluoric acid (HF) substrate etching, and release from the substrate into a liquid suspension. Residual HF is removed through repeated centrifugation, decanting, and dilution cycles. The resulting suspension is cha… ▽ More We describe a fabrication process for preparing liquid suspensions of micron-scale Au and Au/graphene bilayer platelets using thin-film deposition, optical lithography, ion milling, hydrofluoric acid (HF) substrate etching, and release from the substrate into a liquid suspension. Residual HF is removed through repeated centrifugation, decanting, and dilution cycles. The resulting suspension is characterized by electrospray deposition onto a secondary substrate, followed by electron and atomic force microscopy. The deposited platelets exhibit minimal aggregation, and the overall platelet yield reaches up to 30% of the platelets originally patterned on the wafer. Lateral force microscopy further confirms that the Au/graphene bilayer remains intact throughout fabrication, release, and electrospray deposition. This process provides a practical route for preparing high-quality platelet suspensions for levitated nanoparticle experiments and other applications requiring suspensions of two-dimensional nanostructures. △ Less

Submitted 29 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Comments: 6 pages, 4 figures

Collection, characterization, and precision measurement of levitated charged nanoparticles

Authors: B. E. Kane, Joyce Coppock, Sunghyun Kim, Sarah Westgate

Abstract: We describe apparatus and experimental procedures for high stability precision measurements of levitated nanoscale particles confined in an ion trap in high vacuum. We discuss methods for particle generation and collection using electrospray emission, for rapid characterization by direct imaging of thermal motion, and for transfer of the particle from the trap where it is collected to a separate a… ▽ More We describe apparatus and experimental procedures for high stability precision measurements of levitated nanoscale particles confined in an ion trap in high vacuum. We discuss methods for particle generation and collection using electrospray emission, for rapid characterization by direct imaging of thermal motion, and for transfer of the particle from the trap where it is collected to a separate analysis trap in order to achieve better vacuum and lower noise. In the analysis trap at high vacuum (pressure $p\simeq10^{-8}$ Torr), we employ thermostatic control of the trapped particle oscillation amplitudes, allowing long-term, precision measurements of oscillation frequencies, from which the charge to mass ratio ($Q/M$) can be deduced. Under these conditions, we achieve $Q/M$ measurement precision approaching $10^{-5}$. This sensitivity will enable, for example, investigations of the surface chemistry of $μ$m-scale levitated materials in ultra-high vacuum environments. △ Less

Submitted 25 June, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

Comments: 12 pages, 12 figures. Movie version of Figure 7 is available in ancillary files

The Far-Infrared Enhanced Survey Spectrometer (FIRESS) for PRIMA: Approach and Estimated Performance

Authors: C. M., Bradford, Alan J. Kogut, Dale Fixsen, Klaus Pontoppidan, C. Darren Dowell, Jason Glenn, Thomas Pagano, Joseph Green, Marc Foote, James McGuire, Michael Rodger, Robert Calvet, Hien Nguyen, Steve Hailey-Dunsheath, Logan Foote, Elijah Kane, Reinier M. J. Janssen, Margaret Meixner, Alexandra Pope, Alberto Bolatto, JD Smith

Abstract: We present the architectural concept for the Far-Infrared Enhanced Survey Spectrometer (FIRESS) for the Probe Mission for far-IR Astrophysics (PRIMA). FIRESS spans the 24--235 micron range with four R ~ 100 slit-fed grating modules, each coupling to a 24 (spatial) by 84 (spectral) pixel array of kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs). All four arrays are read out simultaneously, and a point source of… ▽ More We present the architectural concept for the Far-Infrared Enhanced Survey Spectrometer (FIRESS) for the Probe Mission for far-IR Astrophysics (PRIMA). FIRESS spans the 24--235 micron range with four R ~ 100 slit-fed grating modules, each coupling to a 24 (spatial) by 84 (spectral) pixel array of kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs). All four arrays are read out simultaneously, and a point source of interest can be coupled to two of the four bands at a time. A Fourier transform module can be engaged over a portion of the FIRESS slits to create a high-resolution mode in which the light is intercepted, processed by the interferometer then reinserted into the path to the grating modules for detection. We provide a simulation and description of the technique that will be used to obtain high-resolution spectra. We identify the most important system requirements imposed by the detector system, finding that they are met with the existing design. Finally, we present our performance modeling, including both direct estimates given our current design status, as well as durable guidelines for developing general-observer programs. △ Less

Submitted 2 September, 2025; originally announced September 2025.

Comments: Submitted to JATIS. This paper is part of the JATIS special issue focused on the PRobe Infrared Mission for Astrophysics (PRIMA) probe mission concept. The issue is edited by Matt Griffin and Naseem Rangwala (JATIS VOL. 11, NO. 3 | July 2025)

Cosmic ray susceptibility of the Terahertz Intensity Mapper detector arrays

Authors: Lun-Jun Liu, Reinier M. J. Janssen, Bruce Bumble, Elijah Kane, Logan M. Foote, Charles M. Bradford, Steven Hailey-Dunsheath, Shubh Agrawal, James E. Aguirre, Hrushi Athreya, Justin S. Bracks, Brockton S. Brendal, Anthony J. Corso, Jeffrey P. Filippini, Jianyang Fu, Christopher E. Groppi, Dylan Joralmon, Ryan P. Keenan, Mikolaj Kowalik, Ian N. Lowe, Alex Manduca, Daniel P. Marrone, Philip D. Mauskopf, Evan C. Mayer, Rong Nie , et al. (4 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report on the effects of cosmic ray interactions with the Kinetic Inductance Detector (KID) based focal plane array for the Terahertz Intensity Mapper (TIM). TIM is a NASA-funded balloon-borne experiment designed to probe the peak of the star formation in the Universe. It employs two spectroscopic bands, each equipped with a focal plane of four $\sim\,$900-pixel, KID-based array chips. Measurem… ▽ More We report on the effects of cosmic ray interactions with the Kinetic Inductance Detector (KID) based focal plane array for the Terahertz Intensity Mapper (TIM). TIM is a NASA-funded balloon-borne experiment designed to probe the peak of the star formation in the Universe. It employs two spectroscopic bands, each equipped with a focal plane of four $\sim\,$900-pixel, KID-based array chips. Measurements of an 864-pixel TIM array shows 791 resonators in a 0.5$\,$GHz bandwidth. We discuss challenges with resonator calibration caused by this high multiplexing density. We robustly identify the physical positions of 788 (99.6$\,$%) detectors using a custom LED-based identification scheme. Using this information we show that cosmic ray events occur at a rate of 2.1$\,\mathrm{events/min/cm^2}$ in our array. 66$\,$% of the events affect a single pixel, and another 33$\,$% affect $<\,$5 KIDs per event spread over a 0.66$\,\mathrm{cm^2}$ region (2 pixel pitches in radius). We observe a total cosmic ray dead fraction of 0.0011$\,$%, and predict that the maximum possible in-flight dead fraction is $\sim\,$0.165$\,$%, which demonstrates our design will be robust against these high-energy events. △ Less

Submitted 24 July, 2024; originally announced July 2024.

Comments: 14 pages, 5 figures. Accepted for the publication in Journal of Low Temperature Physics (2024)

A 25-micron single photon sensitive kinetic inductance detector

Authors: Peter K. Day, Nicholas F. Cothard, Christopher Albert, Logan Foote, Elijah Kane, Byeong H. Eom, Ritoban Basu Thakur, Reinier M. J. Janssen, Andrew Beyer, Pierre Echternach, Sven van Berkel, Steven Hailey-Dunsheath, Thomas R. Stevenson, Shahab Dabironezare, Jochem J. A. Baselmans, Jason Glenn, C. Matt Bradford, Henry G. Leduc

Abstract: We report measurements characterizing the performance of a kinetic inductance detector array designed for a wavelength of 25 microns and very low optical background level suitable for applications such as a far-infrared instrument on a cryogenically cooled space telescope. In a pulse counting mode of operation at low optical flux, the detectors can resolve individual 25-micron photons. In an integ… ▽ More We report measurements characterizing the performance of a kinetic inductance detector array designed for a wavelength of 25 microns and very low optical background level suitable for applications such as a far-infrared instrument on a cryogenically cooled space telescope. In a pulse counting mode of operation at low optical flux, the detectors can resolve individual 25-micron photons. In an integrating mode, the detectors remain photon noise limited over more than six orders of magnitude in absorbed power from 70 zW to 200 fW, with a limiting NEP of 4.6 x 10^-20 W/rtHz at 1 Hz. In addition, the detectors are highly stable with flat power spectra under optical load down to 1 mHz. Operational parameters of the detector are determined including the efficiency of conversion of the incident optical power into quasiparticles in the aluminum absorbing element and the quasiparticle self-recombination constant. △ Less

Submitted 14 May, 2024; v1 submitted 15 April, 2024; originally announced April 2024.

Comments: 35 pages, 18 figures

High-sensitivity Kinetic Inductance Detector Arrays for the Probe Far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics

Authors: Logan Foote, Chris Albert, Jochem Baselmans, Andrew Beyer, Nicholas Cothard, Peter Day, Steven Hailey-Dunsheath, Pierre Echternach, Reinier Janssen, Elijah Kane, Henry Leduc, Lun-Jun Liu, Hien Nguyen, Joanna Perido, Jason Glenn, Jonas Zmuidzinas, Charles, Bradford

Abstract: Far-infrared (far-IR) astrophysics missions featuring actively cooled telescopes will offer orders of magnitude observing speed improvement at wavelengths where galaxies and forming planetary systems emit most of their light. The PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics (PRIMA), which is currently under study, emphasizes low and moderate resolution spectroscopy throughout the far-IR. Full utili… ▽ More Far-infrared (far-IR) astrophysics missions featuring actively cooled telescopes will offer orders of magnitude observing speed improvement at wavelengths where galaxies and forming planetary systems emit most of their light. The PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics (PRIMA), which is currently under study, emphasizes low and moderate resolution spectroscopy throughout the far-IR. Full utilization of PRIMA's cold telescope requires far-IR detector arrays with per-pixel noise equivalent powers (NEPs) at or below 1 x 10-19 W/rtHz. We are developing low-volume Aluminum kinetic inductance detector (KID) arrays to reach these sensitivities. We will present on the development of our long-wavelength (210 um) array approach, with a focus on multitone measurements of our 1,008-pixel arrays. We measure an NEP below 1 x 10-19 W/rtHz for 73 percent of our pixels. △ Less

Submitted 29 May, 2024; v1 submitted 3 November, 2023; originally announced November 2023.

Comments: 9 pages, 5 figures, 20th International Workshop on Low Temperature Detectors, submitted to the Journal of Low Temperature Physics

Detector fabrication development for the LiteBIRD satellite mission

Authors: Benjamin Westbrook, Christopher Raum, Shawn Beckman, Adrian T. Lee, Nicole Farias, Trevor Sasse, Aritoki Suzuki, Elijah Kane, Jason E. Austermann, James A Beall, Shannon M. Duff, Johannes Hubmayr, Gene C. Hilton, Jeff Van Lanen, Michael R. Vissers, Michael R. Link, Greg Jaehnig, Nils Halverson, Tommaso Ghinga, Samantha Stever, Yuto Minami, Keith L. Thompson, Megan Russell, Kam Arnold, Joseph Siebert , et al. (2 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: LiteBIRD is a JAXA-led strategic Large-Class satellite mission designed to measure the polarization of the cosmic microwave background and cosmic foregrounds from 34 to 448 GHz across the entire sky from L2 in the late 2020's. The primary focus of the mission is to measure primordially generated B-mode polarization at large angular scales. Beyond its primary scientific objective LiteBIRD will gene… ▽ More LiteBIRD is a JAXA-led strategic Large-Class satellite mission designed to measure the polarization of the cosmic microwave background and cosmic foregrounds from 34 to 448 GHz across the entire sky from L2 in the late 2020's. The primary focus of the mission is to measure primordially generated B-mode polarization at large angular scales. Beyond its primary scientific objective LiteBIRD will generate a data-set capable of probing a number of scientific inquiries including the sum of neutrino masses. The primary responsibility of United States will be to fabricate the three flight model focal plane units for the mission. The design and fabrication of these focal plane units is driven by heritage from ground based experiments and will include both lenslet-coupled sinuous antenna pixels and horn-coupled orthomode transducer pixels. The experiment will have three optical telescopes called the low frequency telescope, mid frequency telescope, and high frequency telescope each of which covers a portion of the mission's frequency range. JAXA is responsible for the construction of the low frequency telescope and the European Consortium is responsible for the mid- and high- frequency telescopes. The broad frequency coverage and low optical loading conditions, made possible by the space environment, require development and adaptation of detector technology recently deployed by other cosmic microwave background experiments. This design, fabrication, and characterization will take place at UC Berkeley, NIST, Stanford, and Colorado University, Boulder. We present the current status of the US deliverables to the LiteBIRD mission. △ Less

Submitted 13 January, 2021; originally announced January 2021.

Comments: SPIE, Cosmology, LiteBIRD, Detectors, TES, Bolometers, Inflation, Sinuous Antenna, Horn Coupled, DfMUX

A dual-trap system for the study of charged rotating graphene nanoplatelets in high vacuum

Authors: Joyce E. Coppock, Pavel Nagornykh, Jacob P. J. Murphy, I. S. McAdams, Saimouli Katragadda, B. E. Kane

Abstract: We discuss the design and implementation of a system for generating charged multilayer graphene nanoplatelets and introducing a nanoplatelet into a quadrupole ion trap in high vacuum. Levitation decouples the platelet from its environment and enables sensitive mechanical and magnetic measurements. The platelets are generated via liquid exfoliation of graphite pellets and charged via electrospray i… ▽ More We discuss the design and implementation of a system for generating charged multilayer graphene nanoplatelets and introducing a nanoplatelet into a quadrupole ion trap in high vacuum. Levitation decouples the platelet from its environment and enables sensitive mechanical and magnetic measurements. The platelets are generated via liquid exfoliation of graphite pellets and charged via electrospray ionization. A single platelet is trapped at a pressure of several hundred millitorr and transferred to a trap in a second chamber, which is pumped to UHV pressures for further study. △ Less

Submitted 30 January, 2017; originally announced January 2017.