MgB2 Kinetic Inductance Devices for NASA Space Science Applications

This NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) opportunity focuses on utilizing novel superconducting materials, specifically magnesium diboride (MgB2) thin films, for enhancing or enabling scientific instruments. The research group at JPL has revolutionized MgB2 thin films with uniform coverage over 4-inch wafers and smooth surfaces comparable to elemental metal films. The work encompasses various applications including THz mixers, single photon detectors, non-linear kinetic inductance devices, and low loss transmission lines for CMB and sub-mm detector arrays. The fellowship offers two distinct research paths: championing a single device or application using MgB2 films, or developing fabrication techniques to achieve maturity similar to other superconducting materials. Potential devices include high frequency kinetic inductance devices (transmission lines, parametric amplifiers, frequency converters), MgB2 Kinetic Inductance Bolometers for high background imaging, and ultra-thin film hot spot detectors such as nanowire single photon detectors and THz mixers. The NASA Postdoctoral Program offers one- to three-year competitive fellowships designed to advance NASA's missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology. These fellowships provide unique research opportunities for highly-talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at NASA Centers, Headquarters, or affiliated research institutes. This position requires addressing micro- and nanofabrication challenges and extracting material parameters such as RF losses. The process has been provisionally patented and multiple high impact papers are in preparation. Fellows will work at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory under the mentorship of Dr. Daniel Cunnane.