Characterization of loss mechanisms in high kinetic inductance materials: Part 1

High kinetic inductance superconducting thin films are an attractive platform to build compact quantum circuits with high characteristic impedances well beyond the vacuum impedance. To fully exploit the properties of such materials, we must better understand their loss mechanisms, and identify ways to integrate them with established superconductors like aluminum or tantalum for quasiparticle mitigation. In part 1 of this talk, we discuss fabrication techniques for building microwave resonators with these materials, and outline our approach to identifying different loss mechanisms.