Radiation Detector with the Lowest Noise in the World Boosts Quantum Work

(Phys.org) Researchers from Aalto University and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have built a super-sensitive bolometer, a type of thermal radiation detector. The new radiation detector, made of a gold-palladium mixture makes it easier to measure the strength of electromagnetic radiation in real time.
The new developments may help bolometers find their way to quantum computers.
“Quantum computers operate in cryostats, extremely cold super-freezers, in which even the smallest amount of excess radiation causes a lot of disturbance. As nanobolometers are very sensitive, they could conveniently measure the level of excess radiation in the cryostat in order to reduce the radiation through better protection,” says Mikko Möttönen, who works as a joint Professor of Quantum Technology at Aalto University and VTT.Möttönen.