The Silent Revolution of Superconductors: Enabling the Physics of Tomorrow
by
Aula Conversi
Dipartimento di Fisica-Ed. G.Marconi
Superconductors are quietly driving a revolution in how we explore the universe. Their unique physical properties not only fascinate scientists but are also transforming the way we design instruments to study nature at its most fundamental level. In this talk, we will explore some of the remarkable technologies made possible by superconductivity, from precision measurements in quantum optics to ambitious experiments on dark matter and neutrinos.
The focus will be on one particularly versatile device: the Transition Edge Sensor (TES). With its excellent energy resolution and extremely low dark count rate, the TES can detect signals as small as a single photon or electron. These features make it a valuable tool for a wide range of frontier experiments, including quantum metrology, searches for dark photons, and future projects like PTOLEMY, which aim to investigate relic neutrinos from the early universe.
The seminar will conclude with a look at a new fabrication approach based on ion irradiation, promising a simpler and more scalable way to produce superconducting devices, including TES. Join us to discover how this silent revolution is shaping the physics of tomorrow.
Francesco Pandolfi, Mauro Valli, Valerio Ippolito