L. Baker | Searcharxiv

arXiv2026

Optical characterization and ionizing-radiation response of the BCF-20XL scintillating-wavelength-shifting fiber

We report optical characterization and ionizing-radiation measurements of the scintillating-wavelength-shifting (Sci-WLS) fiber BCF-20XL from Luxium Solutions. Attenuation lengths were obtained from transmitted emission spectra using a 3.0 m fiber with a spectrophotometer and described with a two-component attenuation model, yielding a long attenuation length of 6.70 m and a short attenuation length of 0.16 m. The spectral measurements also reveal wavelength-dependent attenuation, with the long component increasing with wavelength and the short component becoming less significant at longer wavelengths. The scintillation response was also characterized under radioactive alpha, beta, and gamma irradiation using SiPM-based readout, providing a benchmark measurement of the light output from BCF-20XL.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2014

Ultraviolet, Optical, and Near-IR Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detector Materials Developments

We have fabricated 2024 pixel microwave kinetic inductance detector (MKID) arrays in the ultraviolet/optical/near-IR (UVOIR) regime that are currently in use in astronomical instruments. In order to make MKIDs desirable for novel instruments, larger arrays with nearly perfect yield need to be fabricated. As array size increases, however, the percent yield often decreases due to frequency collisions in the readout. The per-pixel performance must also be improved, namely the energy resolution. We are investigating ways to reduce frequency collisions and to improve the per pixel performance of our devices through new superconducting material systems and fabrication techniques. There are two main routes that we are currently exploring. First, we are attempting to create more uniform titanium nitride films through the use of atomic layer deposition rather than the more traditional sputtering method. In addition, we are experimenting with completely new material systems for MKIDs, such as platinum silicide.

physics.ins-det↗