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Gerecht, E., Musante, C. F., Zhuang, Y., Ji, M., Yngvesson, K. S., Goyette, T., et al. (2000). NbN hot electron bolometric mixer with intrinsic receiver noise temperature of less than five times the quantum noise limit. In Proc. IMS (Vol. 2, pp. 1007–1010).
Abstract: In recent years, improvements in device development and quasi-optical coupling techniques utilizing planar antennas have led to a significant achievement in low noise receivers for the edges of the submillimeter frequency regime. Hot electron bolometric (HEB) receivers made of thin superconducting films such as NbN have produced a viable option for instruments designed to measure the molecular spectra for astronomical applications as well as in remote sensing of the atmosphere in the THz regime. This paper describes an NbN HEB mixer with intrinsic DSB receiver noise temperature of at most five times the quantum noise limit at frequencies as high as 2.24 THz
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Gao, J. R., Hajenius, M., Baselmans, J. J. A., Klapwijk, T. M., de Korte, P. A. J., Voronov, B., et al. (2004). NbN hot electron bolometer mixers with superior performance for space applications. In E. Armandillo, & B. Leone (Eds.), Proc. Int. workshop on low temp. electronics (pp. 11–17). Noordwijk.
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Cao, A., Jiang, L., Chen, S. H., Antipov, S. V., & Shi, S. C. (2007). IF gain bandwidth of a quasi-optical NbN superconducting HEB mixer. In Proc. International conference on microwave and millimeter wave technology (pp. 1–3). Builin.
Abstract: In this paper, the intermediate frequency (IF) gain bandwidth of a quasi-optical NbN superconducting hot-electron bolometer (HEB) mixer is investigated at 500 GHz with an IF system incorporating with a frequency down-converting scheme which is able to sweep the IF signal in a frequency range of 0.3-4 GHz. The IF gain bandwidth of the device is measured to be 1.5 GHz when it is biased at a voltage of the minimum noise temperature, and becomes larger when the bias voltage increases.
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Maslennikova, A., Larionov, P., Ryabchun, S., Smirnov, A., Pentin, I., Vakhtomin, Y., et al. (2011). Noise equivalent power and dynamic range of NBN hot-electron bolometers. In Proc. MLPLIT (pp. 146–148). Modern laser physics and laser-information technologies for science and manufacture.
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Gol'tsman, G., Maslennikov, S., Finkel, M., Antipov, S., Kaurova, N., Grishina, E., et al. (2006). Nanostructured ultrathin NbN film as a terahertz hot-electron bolometer mixer. In Proc. MRS (Vol. 935, 210 (1 to 6)).
Abstract: Planar spiral antenna coupled and directly lens coupled NbN HEB mixer structures are studied. An additional MgO buffer layer between the superconducting film and Si substrate is introduced. The buffer layer enables us to increase the gain bandwidth of a HEB mixer due to better acoustic transparency. The gain bandwidth is widened as NbN film thickness decreases and amounts to 5.2 GHz. The noise temperature of antenna coupled mixer is 1300 and 3100 K at 2.5 and 3.8 THz respectively. The structure and composition of NbN films is investigated by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy methods. Noise performance degradation at LO frequencies more than 3 THz is due to the use of a planar antenna and signal loss in contacts between the antenna and the sensitive NbN bridge. The mixer is reconfigured for operation at higher frequencies in a manner that receiver’s noise temperature is only 2300 K (3 times of quantum limit) at LO frequency of 30 THz.
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Ozhegov, R. V., Smirnov, A. V., Vakhtomin, Y. B., Smirnov, K. V., Divochiy, A. V., & Goltsman, G. N. (2009). Ultrafast superconducting bolometer receivers for terahertz applications. In Proc. PIERS (867). 777 Concord Avenue, Suite 207 Cambridge, MA 02138: The Electromagnetics Academy.
Abstract: The research by the group of Moscow State Pedagogical University into the hot-electron phenomena in thin superconducting films has led to the development of new types of detectors and their use both in fundamental and applied studies. In this paper, we present the results of testing the terahertz HEB receiver systems based on ultrathin (∼ 4 nm) NbN and MoRe detectors with a response time of 50 ps and 1 ns, respectively. We have developed three types of devices which differ in the way a terahertz signal is coupled to the detector and cover the following ranges: 0.3–3 THz, 0.1–30 THz and 25–70 THz. In the case of the receiving system optimized for 0.3–3 THz, the sensitive element (a strip of asuperconductor with planar dimensions of 0.2μm (length) by 1.7μm (width)) was integrated witha planar broadband log-spiral antenna. For additional focusing ofthe incident radiation a silicon hyperhemispherical lens was used. For the 0.1–30 THz receivingsystem, the sensitive element was patterned as parallel strips(2μm wide each) filling an area of 500×500μm2with a filling factor of 0.5. In the receivingsystem of this type we used direct coupling of the incident radiation to the sensitive element. Inthe 25–70 THz range (detector type 2/2a in Table 1) we used a square-shaped superconductingdetector with planar dimensions of 10×10μm2. Incident radiation was coupled to the detectorwith the use of a germanium hyperhemispherical lens.The response time of the above receiving systems is determined by the cooling rate of the hotelectrons in the film. That depends on the electron-phonon interaction time, which is less forultrathin NbN than in MoRe.
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Jiang, L., Zhang, W., Yao, Q. J., Lin, Z. H., Li, J., Shi, S. C., et al. (2005). Characterization of a quasi-optical NbN superconducting hot-electron bolometer mixer. In Proc. PIERS (Vol. 1, pp. 587–590).
Abstract: In this paper, we report the performance of a quasi-optical NbN superconducting HEB (hot electron bolome-ter) mixer measured at 500 GHz. The quasi-optical NbN superconducting HEB mixer is cryogenically cooled bya 4-K close-cycled refrigerator. Its receiver noise temperature and conversion gain are thoroughly investigatedfor different LO pumping levels and dc biases. The lowest receiver noise temperature is found to be approxi-mately 1200 K, and reduced to about 445 K after correcting theloss of the measurement system. The stabilityof the mixer’s IF output power is also demonstrated.
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Gol'tsman, G. N., Vachtomin, Y. B., Antipov, S. V., Finkel, M. I., Maslennikov, S. N., Smirnov, K. V., et al. (2005). NbN phonon-cooled hot-electron bolometer mixer for terahertz heterodyne receivers. In Proc. SPIE (Vol. 5727, pp. 95–106).
Abstract: We present the results of our studies of NbN phonon-cooled HEB mixers at terahertz frequencies. The mixers were fabricated from NbN film deposited on a high-resistivity Si substrate with an MgO buffer layer. The mixer element was integrated with a log-periodic spiral antenna. The noise temperature measurements were performed at 2.5 THz and at 3.8 THz local oscillator frequencies for the 3 x 0.2 μm2 active area devices. The best uncorrected receiver noise temperatures found for these frequencies are 1300 K and 3100 K, respectively. A water vapour discharge laser was used as the LO source. The largest gain bandwidth of 5.2 GHz was achieved for a mixer based on 2 nm thick NbN film deposited on MgO layer over Si substrate. The gain bandwidth of the mixer based on 3.5 nm NbN film deposited on Si with MgO is 4.2 GHz and the noise bandwidth for the same device amounts to 5 GHz. We also present the results of our research into decrease of the direct detection contribution to the measured Y-factor and a possible error of noise temperature calculation. The use of a square nickel cell mesh as an IR-filter enabled us to avoid the effect of direct detection and measure apparent value of the noise temperature which was 16% less than that obtained using conventional black polyethylene IR-filter.
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Huebers, H. - W., Semenov, A., Richter, H., Birk, M., Krocka, M., Mair, U., et al. (2003). Superconducting hot electron bolometer as mixer for far-infrared heterodyne receivers. In T. G. Phillips, & J. Zmuidzinas (Eds.), Proc. SPIE (Vol. 4855, pp. 395–401). Presented at the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) Conference, 4855. Tucson, USA: SPIE.
Abstract: Heterodyne receivers for applications in astronomy need quantum limited sensitivity. In instruments which are currently under development for SOFIA or Herschel superconducting hot electron bolometers (HEB) will be used to achieve this goal at frequencies above 1.4 THz. We present results of the development of a phonon-cooled NbN HEB mixer for GREAT, the German Receiver for Astronomy at Terahertz Frequencies, which will be flown aboard SOFIA. The mixer is a small superconducting bridge incorporated in a planar feed antenna and a hyperhemispherical lens. Mixers with logarithmic-spiral and double-slot feed antennas have been investigated with respect to their noise temperature, conversion loss, linearity and beam pattern. At 2.5 THz a double sideband noise temperature of 2200 K was achieved. The conversion loss was 17 dB. The response of the mixer was linear up to 400 K load temperature. The performance was verified by measuring an emission line of methanol at 2.5 THz. The measured linewidth is in good agreement with the linewidth deduced from pressure broadening measurements at millimeter wavelength. The results demonstrate that the NbN HEB is very well suited as a mixer for far-infrared heterodyne receivers.
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Cherednichenko, S., Drakinskiy, V., Baubert, J., Lecomte, B., Dauplay, F., Krieg, J. M., et al. (2006). 2.5 THz multipixel heterodyne receiver based on NbN HEB mixers. In Proc. SPIE (Vol. 6275, 62750I (1 to 11)).
Abstract: A 16 pixel heterodyne receiver for 2.5 THz has been developed based on NbN superconducting hot-electron bolometer (HEB) mixers. The receiver uses a quasioptical RF coupling approach where HEB mixers are integrated into double dipole antennas on 1.5 µm thick Si3N4/SiO2 membranes. Spherical mirrors (one per pixel) and backshort distance from the antenna have been used to design the output mixer beam profile. The camera design allows all 16 pixel IF readout in parallel. The gain bandwidth of the HEB mixers on Si3N4/SiO2 membranes was found to be 0.7÷0.9 GHz, which is much smaller than for similar devices on silicon. Application of buffer layers and use of alternative types of membranes (e.g. silicon-on-insulator) is under investigation.
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Leisawitz, D. T., Danchi, W. C., Dipirro, M. J., Feinberg, L. D., Gezari, D. Y., Hagopian, M., et al. (2000). Scientific motivation and technology requirements for the SPIRIT and SPECS far-infrared/submillimeter space interferometers. In Proc. SPIE (Vol. 4013, pp. 36–46).
Abstract: Far infrared interferometers in space would enable extraordinary measurements of the early universe, the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets, and would have great discovery potential. Since half the luminosity of the universe and 98% of the photons released since the Big Bang are now observable at far IR wavelengths (40 – 500 micrometers ), and the Earth's atmosphere prevents sensitive observations from the ground, this is one of the last unexplored frontiers of space astronomy. We present the engineering and technology requirements that stem from a set of compelling scientific goals and discuss possible configurations for two proposed NASA missions, the Space Infrared Interferometric Telescope and the Submillimeter Probe of the Evolution of Cosmic Structure.
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Klapwijk, T. M., Barends, R., Gao, J. R., Hajenius, M., & Baselmans, J. J. A. (2004). Improved superconducting hot-electron bolometer devices for the THz range. In Proc. SPIE (Vol. 5498, pp. 129–139).
Abstract: Improved and reproducible heterodyne mixing (noise temperatures of 950 K at 2.5 THz) has been realized with NbN based hot-electron superconducting devices with low contact resistances. A distributed temperature numerical model of the NbN bridge, based on a local electron and a phonon temperature, has been used to understand the physical conditions during the mixing process. We find that the mixing is predominantly due to the exponential rise of the local resistivity as a function of electron temperature.
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Huebers, H. - W., Schubert, J., Semenov, A., Gol’tsman, G. N., Voronov, B. M., Gershenzon, E. M., et al. (1999). NbN phonon-cooled hot-electron bolometer as a mixer for THz heterodyne receivers. In J. M. Chamberlain (Ed.), Proc. SPIE (Vol. 3828, pp. 410–416). Spie.
Abstract: We have investigated a phonon-cooled NbN hot electron bolometric (HEB) mixer in the frequency range from 0.7 THz to 5.2 THz. The device was a 3.5 nm thin film with an in- plane dimension of 1.7 X 0.2 micrometers 2 integrated in a complementary logarithmic spiral antenna. The measured DSB receiver noise temperatures are 1500 K, 2200 K, 2600 K, 2900 K, 4000 K, 5600 K and 8800 K. The sensitivity fluctuation, the long term stability, and the antenna pattern were measured and the suitability of the mixer for a practical heterodyne receiver is discussed.
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Zhang, W., Li, N., Jiang, L., Ren, Y., Yao, Q. - J., Lin, Z. - H., et al. (2008). Dependence of noise temperature of quasi-optical superconducting hot-electron bolometer mixers on bath temperature and optical-axis displacement. In C. Zhang, & X. - C. Zhang (Eds.), Proc. SPIE (Vol. 6840, 684007 (1 to 8)). Spie.
Abstract: It is known that the increase of bath temperature results in the decrease of critical current of superconducting hot-electron bolometer (HEB) mixers owing to the depression of superconductivity, thus leading to the degradation of the mixer’s sensitivity. Here we report our study on the effect of bath temperature on the heterodyne mixing performance of quasi-optical superconducting NbN HEB mixers incorporated with a two-arm log-spiral antenna. The correlation between the bath temperature, critical current, LO power requirement and noise temperature is investigated at 0.5 THz. Furthermore, the heterodyne mixing performance of quasi-optical superconducting NbN HEB mixers is examined while there is an optical-axis displacement between the center of the extended hemispherical silicon lens and the superconducting NbN HEB device, which is placed on the back of the lens. Detailed experimental results and analysis are presented.
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Ryabchun, S., Tong, C. -yu E., Blundell, R., Kimberk, R., & Gol’tsman, G. (2006). Effect of microwave radiation on the stability of terahertz hot-electron bolometer mixers. In M. Anwar, A. J. DeMaria, & M. S. Shur (Eds.), Proc. SPIE (Vol. 6373, 63730J (1 to 5)). SPIE.
Abstract: We report our studies of the effect of microwave radiation, with a frequency much lower than that corresponding to the energy gap of the superconductor, on the performance of the NbN hot-electron bolometer (HEB) mixer incorporated into a THz heterodyne receiver. It is shown that exposing the HEB mixer to microwave radiation does not result in a significant rise of the receiver noise temperature and degradation of the mixer conversion gain so long as the level of microwave power is small compared to the local oscillator drive. Hence the injection of a small, but controlled amount of microwave radiation enables active compensation of local oscillator power and coupling fluctuations which can significantly degrade the stability of HEB mixer receivers.
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Hubers, H. - W., Semenov, A., Richter, H., Schwarz, M., Gunther, B., Smirnov, K., et al. (2004). Heterodyne receiver for 3-5 THz with hot-electron bolometer mixer. In J. Zmuidzinas, W. S. Holland, & S. Withington (Eds.), Proc. SPIE (Vol. 5498, pp. 579–586). SPIE.
Abstract: Heterodyne receivers for applications in astronomy and planetary research need quantum limited sensitivity. In instruments which are currently build for SOFIA and Herschel superconducting hot electron bolometers (HEB) will be used to achieve this goal at frequencies above 1.4 THz. The local oscillator and the mixer are the most critical components for a heterodyne receiver operating at 3-5 THz. The design and performance of an optically pumped THz gas laser optimized for this frequency band will be presented. In order to optimize the performance for this frequency hot electron bolometer mixers with different in-plane dimensions and logarithmic-spiral feed antennas have been investigated. Their noise temperatures and beam patterns were measured. Above 3 THz the best performance was achieved with a superconducting bridge of 2.0 x 0.2 μm2 incorporated in a logarithmic spiral antenna. The DSB noise temperatures were 2700 K, 4700 K and 6400 K at 3.1 THz, 4.3 THz and 5.2 THz, respectively. The results demonstrate that the NbN HEB is very well suited as a mixer for THz heterodyne receivers up to at least 5 THz.
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Baubert, J., Salez, M., Delorme, Y., Pons, P., Goltsman, G., Merkel, H., et al. (2003). Membrane-based HEB mixer for THz applications. In J. - C. Chiao, V. K. Varadan, & C. Cané (Eds.), Proc. SPIE (Vol. 5116, pp. 551–562). SPIE.
Abstract: We report in this paper a new concept for 2.7 THz superconducting Niobium nitride (NbN) Hot-Electron Bolometer mixer (HEB). The membrane process was developped for space telecommnunication applications a few years ago and the HEB mixer concept is now considered as the best choice for low-noise submillimeter-wave frequency heterodyne receivers. The idea is then to join these two technologies. The novel fabrication scheme is to fabricate a NbN HEB mixer on a 1 μm thick stress-less Si3N4/SiO2 membrane. This seems to present numerous improvements concerning : use at higher RF frequencies, power coupling efficiency, HEB mixer sensitivity, noise temperature, and space applications. This work is to be continued within the framework of an ESA TRP project, a 2.7 THz heterodyne camera with numerous applications including a SOFIA airborne receiver. This paper presents the whole fabrication process, the validation tests and preliminary results. Membrane-based HEB mixer theory is currently being investigated and further tests such as heterodyne and Fourier transform spectrometry measurement are planed shortly.
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Cherednichenko, S., Khosropanah, P., Adam, A., Merkel, H. F., Kollberg, E. L., Loudkov, D., et al. (2003). 1.4- to 1.7-THz NbN hot-electron bolometer mixer for the Herschel space observatory. In T. G. Phillips, & J. Zmuidzinas (Eds.), Proc. SPIE (Vol. 4855, pp. 361–370). SPIE.
Abstract: NbN hot- electron bolometer mixers have reached the level of 10hv/k in terms of the input noise temperature with the noise bandwidth of 4-6 GHz from subMM band up to 2.5 THz. In this paper we discuss the major characteristics of this kind of receiver, i.e. the gain and the noise bandwidth, the noise temperature in a wide RF band, bias regimes and optimisation of RF coupling to the quasioptical mixer. We present the status of the development of the mixer for Band 6 Low for Herschel Telescope.
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Huebers, H. - W., Semenov, A., Schubert, J., Gol’tsman, G. N., Voronov, B. M., Gershenzon, E. M., et al. (2000). NbN hot-electron bolometer as THz mixer for SOFIA. In R. K. Melugin, & H. - P. Roeser (Eds.), Proc. SPIE (Vol. 4014, pp. 195–202). SPIE.
Abstract: Heterodyne receivers for applications in astronomy need quantum limited sensitivity. We have investigated phonon- cooled NbN hot electron bolometric mixers in the frequency range from 0.7 THz to 5.2 THz. The devices were 3.5 nm thin films with an in-plane dimension of 1.7 X 0.2 micrometers 2 integrated in a complementary logarithmic spiral antenna. The best measured DSB receiver noise temperatures are 1300 K (0.7 THz), 2000 K (1.4 THz), 2100 K (1.6 THz), 2600 K (2.5 THz), 4000 K (3.1 THz), 5600 K (4.3 THz), and 8800 K (5.2 THz). The sensitivity fluctuation, the long term stability, and the antenna pattern were measured. The results demonstrate that this mixer is very well suited for GREAT, the German heterodyne receiver for SOFIA.
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Yngvesson, K. S., Gerecht, E., Musante, C. F., Zhuang, Y., Ji, M., Goyette, T. M., et al. (1999). Low-noise HEB heterodyne receivers and focal plane arrays for the THz regime using NbN. In R. J. Hwu, & K. Wu (Eds.), Proc. SPIE (Vol. 3795, pp. 357–368). SPIE.
Abstract: We have developed prototype HEB receivers using thin film superconducting NbN devices deposited on silicon substrates. The devices are quasi-optically coupled through a silicon lens and a self-complementary log-specific toothed antenna. We measured DSB receiver noise temperatures of 500 K (13 X hf/2k) at 1.56 THz and 1,100 K (20 X hf/2k) at 2.24 THz. Noise temperatures are expected to fall further as devices and quasi-optical coupling methods are being optimized. The measured 3 dB IF conversion gain bandwidth for one device was 3 GHz, and it is estimated that the bandwidth over which the receiver noise temperature is within 3 dB of its minimum value is 6.5 GHz which is sufficient for a number of practical applications. We will discuss our latest results and give a detailed description of our prototype setup and experiments. We will also discuss our plans for developing focal plane arrays with tens of Hot Electron Bolometric mixer elements on a single silicon substrate which will make real time imaging systems in the THz region feasible.
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Schwaab, G. W., Auen, K., Bruendermann, E., Feinaeugle, R., Gol’tsman, G. N., Huebers, H. - W., et al. (1998). 2- to 6-THz heterodyne receiver array for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). In T. G. Phillips (Ed.), Proc. SPIE (Vol. 3357, pp. 85–96). SPIE.
Abstract: The Institute of Space Sensor Technology of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is developing a heterodyne array receiver for the frequency range 2 to 6 THz for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). Key science issues in that frequency range are the observation of lines of atoms [e.g. (OI)], ions [e.g. (CII), (NII)], and molecules (e.g. OH, HD, CO) with high spectral resolution to study the dynamics and evolution of galactic and extragalactic objects. Long term goal is the development of an integrated array heterodyne receiver with superconducting hot electron bolometric (HEB) mixers and p-type Ge or Si lasers as local oscillators. The first generation receiver will be composed of HEB mixers in a 2 pixel 2 polarization array which will be pumped by a gas laser local oscillator. Improved Schottky diode mixers are the backup solution for the HEBs. The state of the art of HEB mixer and p-type Ge laser technology are described as well as possible improvements in the ’conventional’ optically pumped far-infrared laser and Schottky diode mixer technology. Finally, the frequency coverage of the first generation heterodyne receiver for some important astronomical transitions is discussed. The expected sensitivity is compared to line fluxes measured by the ISO satellite.
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Karasik, B. S., Lindgren, M., Zorin, M. A., Danerud, M., Winkler, D., Trifonov, V. V., et al. (1994). Picosecond detection and broadband mixing of near-infrared radiation by YBaCuO films. In M. Nahum, & J. - C. Villegier (Eds.), Proc. SPIE (Vol. 2159, pp. 68–76). Spie.
Abstract: Nonequilibrium picosecond and bolometric responses of YBCO films 500 angstroms thick patterned into 20 X 20 micrometers 2 size structure to 17 ps laser pulses and modulated radiation of GaAs and CO2 lasers have been studied. The modulation frequencies up to 10 GHz for GaAs laser and up to 1 GHz for CO2 were attained. The use of small radiation power (1 – 10 mW/cm2 for cw radiation and 10 – 100 nJ/cm2 for pulse radiation) in combination with high sensitive read-out system made possible to avoid any non-linear transient processes caused by an overheating of sample above a critical temperature or S-N switching enhanced by an intense radiation. Responses due to the change of kinetic inductance were believed to be negligible. The only signals observed were caused by a small change of the film resistance either in the resistive state created by a bias current or in the normal state. The data obtained by means of pulse and modulation techniques are in agreement. The responsivity about 1 V/W was measured at 1 GHz modulation frequency both for 0.85 micrometers and 10.6 micrometers wavelengths. The sensitivity of high-Tc fast wideband infrared detector is discussed.
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Gol’tsman, G. N., Kouminov, P. B., Goghidze, I. G., Karasik, B. S., & Gershenzon, E. M. (1994). Nonbolometric and fast bolometric responses of YBaCuO thin films in superconducting, resistive, and normal states. In M. Nahum, & J. - C. Villegier (Eds.), Proc. SPIE (Vol. 2159, pp. 81–86). SPIE.
Abstract: The transient voltage response in both epitaxial and granular YBaCuO thin films to 20 ps pulses of YAG:Nd laser radiation with 0.63 micrometers and 1.54 micrometers was studied. In normal and resistive states both types of films demonstrate two components: nonequilibrium picosecond component and following bolometric nanosecond. The normalized amplitudes are almost the same for all films. In superconducting state we observed a kinetic inductive response and two-component shape after integration. The normalized amplitude of the response in granular films is up to several orders of magnitude larger than in epitaxial films. We interpret the nonequilibrium response in terms of a suppression of order parameter by the excess of quasiparticles followed by the change of resistance in normal and resistive states or kinetic inductance in superconducting state. The sharp rise of inductive response in granular films is explained both by a diminishing of the crossection for current percolation through the disordered network os Josephson weak links and by a decrease of condensate density in neighboring regions.
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Gol’tsman, G. N., & Gershenzon, E. M. (1993). High speed hot-electron superconducting bolometer. In J. R. Birch, & T. J. Parker (Eds.), Proc. SPIE (Vol. 2104, pp. 181–182). SPIE.
Abstract: Physical limitation of response time of a superconducting bolometer as well as the nature of non-equilibrium detection of radiation have been investigated for Al, Nb and NbN thin films in spectral range from submillimeter to near-infraredwavelengths [1,2]. In the case of ideal heat removal from the film with the f_‘. 100A thickness the detection mechanism is an electron heating effect that is not selective to radiation wavelength in a very broad range. The response time ofan electron heating bolometer is determined by an electron-phonon interaction time. This time is of about 10 ns, 0.5 ns and 20 ps for Al, Nb, and NbN correspondingly near the critical temperature of the superconducting film. Thesensitive area of the bolometer consists of a number of narrow strips (with awidth of 1µm) connected in parallel to contact pads; these pads together witha sapphire substrate and a ground plate represent the microstrip transmissionline with an impedance of 50 Q.
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Danerud, M., Winkler, D., Zorin, M., Trifonov, V., Karasik, B., Gershenzon, E. M., et al. (1993). Picosecond detection of infrared radiation with YBa2Cu3O7-δ thin films. In J. R. Birch, & T. J. Parker (Eds.), Proc. SPIE (Vol. 2104, pp. 183–184). Spie.
Abstract: Picosecond nonequilibrium and slow bolometric responses from a patterned high-Tc superconducting (HTS) film due toinfrared radiation were investigated using both modulation and pulse techniques. Measurements at A, = 0.85 [tm andA, = 10.6 lim have shown a similar behaviour of the response vs modulation frequency f. The responsivity of the HTS filmbased detector at f ..- 0.6-1 GHz is estimated to be 10-2 – 10-1 V/W.
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Finkel, M. I., Maslennikov, S. N., & Gol'tsman, G. N. (2007). The concept of the receiving complex for the “Millimetron” space radio telescope. Radiophys. Quant. Electron., 50(10-11), 837–846.
Abstract: We consider the current status of research in the development of a submillimeter and far-infrared receiving instrument and propose promising solutions for the receivers of the spaceborne telescope “Millimetron,” which allow one to realize comprehensively the opportunities given by this international project administrated by the Astrospace Center of the P. N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
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Finkel, M. I., Maslennikov, S. N., & Gol'tsman, G. N. (2005). Terahertz heterodyne receivers based on superconductive hot-electron bolometer mixers. Radiophys. Quant. Electron., 48(10-11), 859–864.
Abstract: We consider recent results in development of hot-electron bolometer mixers. Special attention is paid to optimization of the contacts between the antenna and the active area of a superconducting film. An important result in the study of the parasitic effect of direct detection is obtained during the measurement of the noise temperatures by the hot/cold load method. The latest results of studies of the waveguide hot-electron bolometer mixers and their successful practical applications are considered. Progress in development of high-frequency (over 1.3 THz) heterodyne receivers for several important international projects is discussed and new submillimeter radio astronomy projects ESPRIT and SAFIR are described.
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Gol'tsman, G. N., & Loudkov, D. N. (2003). Terahertz superconducting hot-electron bolometer mixers and their application in radio astronomy. Radiophys. Quant. Electron., 46(8/9), 604–617.
Abstract: We review the latest developments, research, and radioastronomy applications of hot-electron bolometer (HEB) mixers operated in the terahertz waveband. The physical principles of operation of terahertz HEB mixers are presented, their manufacturing from ultrathin NbN films, the main HEB-mixer parameters and their measurement techniques are discussed, and practical terahertz radioastronomy projects based on heterodyne receivers with HEB mixers are considered.
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Ryabchun, S. A., Tretyakov, I. V., Pentin, I. V., Kaurova, N. S., Seleznev, V. A., Voronov, B. M., et al. (2009). Low-noise wide-band hot-electron bolometer mixer based on an NbN film. Radiophys. Quant. Electron., 52(8), 576–582.
Abstract: We develop and study a hot-electron bolometer mixer made of a two-layer NbN–Au film in situ deposited on a silicon substrate. The double-sideband noise temperature of the mixer is 750 K at a frequency of 2.5 THz. The conversion efficiency measurements show that at the superconducting transition temperature, the intermediate-frequency bandwidth amounts to about 6.5 GHz for a mixer 0.112 μm long. These record-breaking characteristics are attributed to the improved contacts between a sensitive element and a helical antenna and are reached due to using the in situ deposition of NbN and Au layers at certain stages of the process.
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Smirnov, A. V., Baryshev, A. M., de Bernardis, P., Vdovin, V. F., Gol'tsman, G. N., Kardashev, N. S., et al. (2012). The current stage of development of the receiving complex of the millimetron space observatory. Radiophys. Quant. Electron., 54(8), 557–568.
Abstract: We present an overview of the state of the onboard receiving complex of the Millimetron space observatory in the development phase of its preliminary design. The basic parameters of the onboard equipment planned to create and required for astrophysical observations are considered. A review of coherent and incoherent detectors, which are central to each receiver of the observatory, is given. Their characteristics and limiting parameters feasible at the present level of technology are reported.
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Tretyakov, I. V., Finkel, M. I., Ryabchun, S. A., Kardakova, A. I., Seliverstov, S. V., Petrenko, D. V., et al. (2014). Hot-electron bolometer mixers with in situ contacts. Radiophys. Quant. Electron., 56(8-9), 591–598.
Abstract: We report on the latest achievements in the development of superconducting hot-electron bolometer (HEB) mixers for terahertz superheterodyne receivers. We consider application ranges of such receivers and requirements for the basic characteristics of the mixers. Main features of the mixers, such as noise temperature, gain bandwidth, noise bandwidth, and required local-oscillator power, have been improved significantly over the past few years due to intense research work, both in terms of the element fabrication quality and in terms of understanding of the physics of the processes occurring in the HEB mixers. Contacts between the superconducting bridge and the planar antenna play a key role in the mixer operation. Improvement of the quality of the contacts leads simultaneously to a decrease in the noise temperature and an increase in the gain bandwidth of a mixer.
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Tretyakov, I. V., Anfertyev, V. A., Revin, L. S., Kaurova, N. S., Voronov, B. M., Vaks, V. L., et al. (2018). Sensitivity and resolution of a heterodyne receiver based on the NbN HEB mixer with a quantum-cascade laser as a local oscillator. Radiophys. Quant. Electron., 60(12), 988–992.
Abstract: We present the results of experimental studies of the basic characteristics and operation features of a terahertz heterodyne detector based on the superconducting NbN HEB mixer and a quantum cascade laser as a local oscillator operating at a frequency of 2.02 THz. The measured noise temperature of such a mixer amounted to 1500 K. The spectral resolution of the detector is determined by the width of the local-oscillator spectral line whose measured value does not exceed 1 MHz. The quantum-cascade laser could be linearly tuned with respect to frequency with the coefficient 7.2 MHz/mA within the limits of the current oscillation bandwidth.
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Seliverstov, S. V., Anfertyev, V. A., Tretyakov, I. V., Ozheredov, I. A., Solyankin, P. M., Revin, L. S., et al. (2017). Terahertz heterodyne receiver with an electron-heating mixer and a heterodyne based on the quantum-cascade laser. Radiophys. Quant. Electron., 60(7), 518–524.
Abstract: We study characteristics of the laboratory prototype of a terahertz heterodyne receiver with an electron-heating mixer and a heterodyne based on the quantum-cascade laser. The results obtained demonstrate the possibility to use this receiver as a basis for creation of a high-sensitivity terahertz spectrometer, which can be used in many basic and practical applications. A significant advantage of this receiver will be the possibility of placing the mixer and heterodyne in the same cryostat, which will reduce the device dimensions considerably. The obtained experimental results are analyzed, and methods of optimizing the parameters of the receiver are proposed.
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Gurevich, A. V., & Mints, R. G. (1987). Self-heating in normal metals and superconductors. Rev. Mod. Phys., 59(4), 941–1000.
Abstract: This review is devoted to the physics of current-carrying superconductors and normal metals having two or more stable states sustained by Joule self-heating. The creation, propagation, and localization of electrothermal domains and switching waves leading to the transition from one stable state to another in uniform and nonuniform samples are treated in detail. The connection between thermal bistability and hysteresis, dropping and stepped current-voltage characteristics, self-induced oscillations of current and voltage, selfreplication of electrothermal domains, and the formation of periodic and stochastic resistive structures are considered.
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Phillips, T. G., & Jefferts, K. B. (1973). A low temperature bolometer heterodyne receiver for Millimeter wave astronomy. Rev. Sci. Instrum., 44(8), 1009–1014.
Abstract: Liquid helium cooled InSb hot electronbolometers are used in a balanced mixer configuration as detectors for an imagelessmicrowave receiver. The system is designed for mounting at the prime focus of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) 11 m antenna at Kitt Peak, Arizona, and is suitable for the study of rotational line spectra of interstellar gas molecules. Currently the operating frequency is in the 90–140 GHz band where the double sideband system noise temperature is 250 K.
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Cherednichenko, S., Drakinskiy, V., Berg, T., Khosropanah, P., & Kollberg, E. (2008). Hot-electron bolometer terahertz mixers for the Herschel Space Observatory. Rev. Sci. Instrum., 79, 034501.
Abstract: We report on low noise terahertz mixers(1.4–1.9THz) developed for the heterodyne spectrometer onboard the Herschel Space Observatory. The mixers employ double slot antenna integrated superconducting hot-electron bolometers (HEBs) made of thin NbN films. The mixer performance was characterized in terms of detection sensitivity across the entire rf band by using a Fourier transform spectrometer (from 0.5to2.5THz, with 30GHz resolution) and also by measuring the mixernoise temperature at a limited number of discrete frequencies. The lowest mixernoise temperature recorded was 750K [double sideband (DSB)] at 1.6THz and 950KDSB at 1.9THz local oscillator (LO) frequencies. Averaged across the intermediate frequency band of 2.4–4.8GHz, the mixernoise temperature was 1100KDSB at 1.6THz and 1450KDSB at 1.9THz LO frequencies. The HEB heterodyne receiver stability has been analyzed and compared to the HEB stability in the direct detection mode. The optimal local oscillator power was determined and found to be in a 200–500nW range.
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Vystavkin, A. N. (1999). Estimation of noise equivalent power and design analysis of an andreev reflection hot-electron microbolometer for submillimeter radioastronomy. Rus. J. Radio Electron., (10).
Abstract: Results of theoretical estimations and measurements of characteristics of an Andreev reflection hot-electron microbolometer for submillimeter radioastronomy made by different researchers are reviewed and analysed. Peculiarities and characteristics of the microbolometers using two types of microthermometer for measurement of the electron temperature increment under influence of the radiation: the SIN-junction and the transition-edge sensor (TES) with electrothermal feedback – are compared. Advantages of the microbolometer with the second type of the microthermometer when the TES is used simultaneously as the absorber of radiation are shown. Methods of achievement of the best noise equivalent power of the microbolometer in such version as well as methods of the matching the microbolometer with the incident radiation flow using planar antennas and with the channel of output signal measurement using a SQUID-picoammeter are considered.
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Pentin, I., Finkel, M., Maslennikov, S., Vakhtomin, Y., Smirnov, K., Kaurova, N., et al. (2017). Superconducting hot-electron-bolometer mixers for the mid-IR. Rus. J. Radio Electron., (10), http://jre.cplire.ru/jre/oct17/9/text.pdf. Retrieved June 29, 2024, from http://jre.cplire.ru/jre/oct17/9/abstract_e.html
Abstract: The work presents the result of development of the NbN superconducting hot-electron-bolometer (HEB) mixer. The sensitive element of the mixer is directly coupled to mid-IR radiation, and doesn’t have planar metallic antenna. Investigations of noise characteristics of NbN HEB mixer were performed at the frequency 28.4 THz (λ = 10.6 µm) by using gas-discharge CW CO2-laser without consideration of optical and electrical losses in the heterodyne receiver. The noise temperature of NbN HEB mixer with the size of the sensitive element 10 µm × 10 µm was 2320 K (~ 1.5hν/kB) at the heterodyne frequency of 28.4 THz. The noise temperature was determined by measuring the Y-factor taking into account the term which describes fluctuations of zero-point oscillations in accordance with the fluctuation-dissipation theorem of Calle-Welton. Isothermal method was used to estimate the absorbed heterodyne radiation power which was 9 µW at the optimal operating point for the minimum noise temperature of NbN HEB mixer.
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Pentin, I., Vakhtomin, Y., Seleznev, V., & Smirnov, K. (2020). Hot electron energy relaxation time in vanadium nitride superconducting film structures under THz and IR radiation. Sci. Rep., 10(1), 16819.
Abstract: The paper presents the experimental results of studying the dynamics of electron energy relaxation in structures made of thin (d approximately 6 nm) disordered superconducting vanadium nitride (VN) films converted to a resistive state by high-frequency radiation and transport current. Under conditions of quasi-equilibrium superconductivity and temperature range close to critical (~ Tc), a direct measurement of the energy relaxation time of electrons by the beats method arising from two monochromatic sources with close frequencies radiation in sub-THz region (omega approximately 0.140 THz) and sources in the IR region (omega approximately 193 THz) was conducted. The measured time of energy relaxation of electrons in the studied VN structures upon heating of THz and IR radiation completely coincided and amounted to (2.6-2.7) ns. The studied response of VN structures to IR (omega approximately 193 THz) picosecond laser pulses also allowed us to estimate the energy relaxation time in VN structures, which was ~ 2.8 ns and is in good agreement with the result obtained by the mixing method. Also, we present the experimentally measured volt-watt responsivity (S~) within the frequency range omega approximately (0.3-6) THz VN HEB detector. The estimated values of noise equivalent power (NEP) for VN HEB and its minimum energy level (deltaE) reached NEP@1MHz approximately 6.3 x 10(-14) W/ radicalHz and deltaE approximately 8.1 x 10(-18) J, respectively.
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Gol’tsman, G. N. (2014). Overview of recent results for superconducting NbN terahertz and optical detectors and mixers.
Abstract: We present our recent achievements in the development of sensitive and ultrafast thin-film superconducting sensors: hot-electron bolometers (HEB), HEB-mixers for terahertz range and infrared single-photon counters. These sensors have already demonstrated a performance that makes them devices-of-choice for many terahertz and optical applications.
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Gershenzon, E. M., Gershenzon, M. E., Gol'tsman, G. N., Semyonov, A. D., & Sergeev, A. V. (1984). Heating of electrons in superconductor in the resistive state due to electromagnetic radiation. Solid State Communications, 50(3), 207–212.
Abstract: The effect of heating electrons with respect to phonons in a thin superconducting film driven into the resistive state by the current and the external magnetic field has been observed and investigated. This effect caused by the electromagnetic radiation is manifested in the increased resistance of the film and is not selective over the frequency range from 1010 to 1015 Hz. That the effect is frequency independent under the conditions of strong electron scattering caused by static defects is explained by the decisive role of electron -electron collisions in forming the distribution function. The characteristic time of resistance change, obtained experimentally, corresponds to the relaxation time of the order parameter near the superconducting transition and to the relaxation time of the nonelastic electron-phonon interaction at lower temperatures and in lower magnetic fields.
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Gershenzon, E. M., Gol'tsman, G. N., Elantiev, A. I., Karasik, B. S., & Potoskuev, S. E. (1988). Intense electromagnetic radiation heating of electrons of a superconductor in the resistive state. Sov. J. Low Temp. Phys., 14(7), 414–420.
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Elant'ev, A. I., & Karasik, B. S. (1989). Effect of high-frequency current on Nb superconductive film in resistive state. Sov. J. Low Temp. Phys., 15(7), 379–383.
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Kaganov, M. L., Lifshitz, I. M., & Tanatarov, L. V. (1957). Relaxation between electrons and the crystalline lattice. Sov. Phys. JETP, 4(2), 173–178.
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Gershenzon, E. M., Gershenzon, M. E., Gol'tsman, G. N., Semenov, A. D., & Sergeev, A. V. (1984). Heating of electrons in a superconductor in the resistive state by electromagnetic radiation. Sov. Phys. JETP, 59(2), 442–450.
Abstract: The effect of heating of electrons relative to phonons is observed and investigated in a superconducting film that is made resistive by current and by an external magnetic field. The effect is manifested by an increase of the film resistance under the influence of the electromagnetic radiation, and is not selective in the frequency band 10^10-10^15 Hz. The independence of the effect of frequency under conditions of strong scattering by static defects is attributed to the decisive role of electron-electron collisions in the distribution function. The experimentally obtained characteristic time of resistance variation near the superconducting transition corresponds to the relaxation time of the order parameter, while at lower temperatures and fields it corresponds to the time of the inelastic electron-phonon interaction.
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Gershenzon, E. M., Goltsman, G. N., Semenov, A. D., & Sergeev, A. V. (1989). Limiting characteristic of fast superconducting bolometers. Sov. Phys.-Tech. Phys., 34, 195–199.
Abstract: Теоретически и экспериментально исследовано физическое ограничение быстродействия сверхпроводящего болометра. Показано, что минимальная постоянная времени реализуется в условиях электронного разогрева и определяется процессом неупругого электрон-фонон- ного взаимодействия. Сформулированы требования кконструкции «электронного болометра» для достижения предельной чувствительности. Проведено сравнение характеристик электронного болометра и обычных болометров различных типов.
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Gershenzon, E. M., Goltsman, G., Orlova, S., Ptitsina, N., & Gurvich, Y. (1971). Germanium hot-electron narrow-band detector. Sov. Radio Engineering And Electronic Physics, 16(8), 1346.
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Gershenzon, E. M., Gol'tsman, G. N., Gogidze, I. G., Gusev, Y. P., Elantiev, A. I., Karasik, B. S., et al. (1990). Millimeter and submillimeter wave range mixer based on electronic heating of superconducting films in the resistive state. Sov. Supercond., 3(10), 1582–1597.
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Hajenius, M., Baselmans, J. J. A., Gao, J. R., Klapwijk, T. M., de Korte, P. A. J., Voronov, B., et al. (2004). Low noise NbN superconducting hot electron bolometer mixers at 1.9 and 2.5 THz. Supercond. Sci. Technol., 17(5), S224–S228.
Abstract: NbN phonon-cooled hot electron bolometer mixers (HEBs) have been realized with negligible contact resistance between the bolometer itself and the contact structure. Using a combination of in situ cleaning of the NbN film and the use of an additional superconducting interlayer of a 10 nm NbTiN layer between the Au of the contact structure and the NbN film superior noise temperatures have been obtained as low as 950 K at 2.5 THz and 750 K at 1.9 THz. Here we address in detail the DC characterization of these devices, the interface transparencies between the bolometers and the contacts and the consequences of these factors on the mixer performance.
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Gol'tsman, G. N., Semenov, A. D., Gousev, Y. P., Zorin, M. A., Gogidze, I. G., Gershenzon, E. M., et al. (1991). Sensitive picosecond NbN detector for radiation from millimetre wavelengths to visible light. Supercond. Sci. Technol., 4(9), 453–456.
Abstract: The authors report on the application of a broad-band NbN film detector which has high sensitivity and picosecond response time for detection of radiation from millimetre wavelengths to visible light. From a study of amplitude modulated radiation of backward-wave tubes and picosecond pulses from gas and solid state lasers at wavelengths between 2 mm and 0.53 mu m, they found a detectivity of 1010 W-1 cm Hz-1/2 and a response time of less than 50 ps at T=10 K. The characteristics were provided by using a 150 AA thick NbN film patterned into a structure of micron strips. According to the proposed detection mechanism, namely electron heating, they expect an intrinsic response time of approximately 20 ps at the same temperature.
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Semenov, A., Richter, H., Smirnov, K., Voronov, B., Gol'tsman, G., & Hübers, H. - W. (2004). The development of terahertz superconducting hot-electron bolometric mixers. Supercond. Sci. Technol., 17(5), 436–439.
Abstract: We present recent advances in the development of NbN hot-electron bolometric (HEB) mixers for flying terahertz heterodyne receivers. Three important issues have been addressed: the quality of the source NbN films, the effect of the bolometer size on the spectral properties of different planar feed antennas, and the local oscillator (LO) power required for optimal operation of the mixer. Studies of the NbN films with an atomic force microscope indicated a surface structure that may affect the performance of the smallest mixers. Measured spectral gain and noise temperature suggest that at frequencies above 2.5 THz the spiral feed provides better overall performance than the double-slot feed. Direct measurements of the optimal LO power support earlier estimates made in the framework of the uniform mixer model.
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Yagoubov, P., Kroug, M., Merkel, H., Kollberg, E., Schubert, J., & Hübers, H. - W. (1999). NbN hot electron bolometric mixers at frequencies between 0.7 and 3.1 THz. Supercond. Sci. Technol., 12(11), 989–991.
Abstract: The performance of NbN-based phonon-cooled hot electron bolometric (HEB) quasioptical mixers is investigated in the 0.7-3.1 THz frequency range. The devices are made from a 3.5-4 nm thick NbN film on high resistivity Si and integrated with a planar spiral antenna on the same substrate. The length of the bolometer microbridge is 0.1-0.2 µm; the width is 1-2 µm. The best results of the DSB receiver noise temperature measured at 1.5 GHz intermediate frequency are: 800 K at 0.7 THz, 1100 K at 1.6 THz, 2000 K at 2.5 THz and 4200 K at 3.1 THz. The measurements were performed with a far infrared laser as the local oscillator (LO) source. The estimated LO power requirement is less than 500 nW at the receiver input. First results on spiral antenna polarization measurements are reported.
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Schubert, J., Semenov, A., Gol'tsman, G., Hübers, H. - W., Schwaab, G., Voronov, B., et al. (1999). Noise temperature of an NbN hot-electron bolometric mixer at frequencies from 0.7 THz to 5.2 THz. Supercond. Sci. Technol., 12(11), 748–750.
Abstract: We report on noise temperature measurements of an NbN phonon-cooled hot-electron bolometric mixer in the terahertz frequency range. The devices were 3 nm thick films with in-plane dimensions 1.7 × 0.2 µm2 and 0.9 × 0.2 µm2 integrated in a complementary logarithmic-spiral antenna. Measurements were performed at seven frequencies ranging from 0.7 THz to 5.2 THz. The measured DSB noise temperatures are 1500 K (0.7 THz), 2200 K (1.4 THz), 2600 K (1.6 THz), 2900 K (2.5 THz), 4000 K (3.1 THz), 5600 K (4.3 THz) and 8800 K (5.2 THz).
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Zhang, W., Miao, W., Zhong, J. Q., Shi, S. C., Hayton, D. J., Vercruyssen, N., et al. (2014). Temperature dependence of the receiver noise temperature and IF bandwidth of superconducting hot electron bolometer mixers. Supercond. Sci. Technol., 27(8), 085013 (1 to 5).
Abstract: In this paper we study the temperature dependence of the receiver noise temperature and IF noise bandwidth of superconducting hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixers. Three superconducting NbN HEB devices of different transition temperatures (Tc) are measured at 0.85 THz and 1.4 THz at different bath temperatures (Tbath) between 4 K and 9 K. Measurement results demonstrate that the receiver noise temperature of superconducting NbN HEB devices is nearly constant for Tbath/Tc, less than 0.8, which is consistent with the simulation based on a distributed hot-spot model. In addition, the IF noise bandwidth appears independent of Tbath/Tc, indicating the dominance of phonon cooling in the investigated HEB devices.
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Shurakov, A., Lobanov, Y., & Goltsman, G. (2015). Superconducting hot-electron bolometer: from the discovery of hot-electron phenomena to practical applications. Supercond. Sci. Technol., 29(2), 023001.
Abstract: The discovery of hot-electron phenomena in a thin superconducting film in the last century was followed by numerous experimental studies of its appearance in different materials aiming for a better understanding of the phenomena and consequent implementation of terahertz detection systems for practical applications. In contrast to the competitors such as superconductor-insulator-superconductor tunnel junctions and Schottky diodes, the hot electron bolometer (HEB) did not demonstrate any frequency limitation of the detection mechanism. The latter, in conjunction with a decent performance, rapidly made the HEB mixer the most attractive candidate for heterodyne observations at frequencies above 1 THz. The successful operation of practical instruments (the Heinrich Hertz Telescope, the Receiver Lab Telescope, APEX, SOFIA, Hershel) ensures the importance of the HEB technology despite the lack of rigorous theoretical routine for predicting the performance. In this review, we provide a summary of experimental and theoretical studies devoted to understanding the HEB physics, and an overview of various fabrication routes and materials.
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Antipov, S., Trifonov, A., Krause, S., Meledin, D., Kaurova, N., Rudzinski, M., et al. (2019). Improved bandwidth of a 2 THz hot-electron bolometer heterodyne mixer fabricated on sapphire with a GaN buffer layer. Supercond. Sci. Technol., 32(7), 075003.
Abstract: We report on the signal-to-noise and gain bandwidth of a niobium nitride (NbN) hot-electron bolometer (HEB) mixer at 2 THz fabricated on a sapphire substrate with a GaN buffer layer. Two mixers with different DC properties and geometrical dimensions were studied and they demonstrated very close bandwidth performance. The signal-to-noise bandwidth is increased to 8 GHz in comparison to the previous results, obtained without a buffer-layer. The data were taken in a quasi-optical system with the use of the signal-to-noise method, which is close to the signal levels used in actual astrophysical observations. We find an increase of the gain bandwidth to 5 GHz. The results indicate that prior results obtained on a substrate of crystalline GaN can also be obtained on a conventional sapphire substrate with a few micron MOCVD-deposited GaN buffer-layer.
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Yang, Z. Q., Hajenius, M., Baselmans, J. J. A., Gao, J. R., Voronov, B., & Gol’tsman, G. N. (2006). Reduced noise in NbN hot-electron bolometer mixers by annealing. Supercond. Sci. Technol., 19(4), L (9 to 12).
Abstract: We find that the sensitivity of heterodyne receivers based on superconducting hot-electron bolometers (HEBs) increases by 25–30% after annealing at 85 °C in vacuum. The devices studied are twin-slot antenna coupled mixers with a small NbN bridge of 1 × 0.15 µm2. We show that annealing changes the device properties as reflected in sharper resistive transitions of the complete device, apparently reducing the device-related noise. The lowest receiver noise temperature of 700 K is measured at a local oscillator frequency of 1.63 THz and a bath temperature of 4.3 K.
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Rönnung, F., Cherednichenko, S., Winkler, D., & Gol'tsman, G. N. (1999). A nanoscale YBCO mixer optically coupled with a bow tie antenna. Supercond. Sci. Technol., 12(11), 853–855.
Abstract: The bolometric response of YBa2Cu3O7-δ(YBCO) hot-electron bolometers (HEBs) to near-infrared radiation was studied. Devices were fabricated from a 50 nm thick film and had in-plane areas of 10 × 10 µm2, 2 × 0.2 µm2, 1 × 0.2µm2 and 0.5 × 0.2 µm2. We found that nonequilibrium phonons cool down more effectively for the bolometers with smaller area. For the smallest bolometer the bolometric component in the response is 10 dB less than for the largest one.
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Semenov, A. D., Gol'tsman, G. N., & Sobolewski, R. (2002). Hot-electron effect in superconductors and its applications for radiation sensors. Supercond. Sci. Technol., 15(4), R1–R16.
Abstract: The paper reviews the main aspects of nonequilibrium hot-electron phenomena in superconductors and various theoretical models developed to describe the hot-electron effect. We discuss implementation of the hot-electron avalanche mechanism in superconducting radiation sensors and present the most successful practical devices, such as terahertz mixers and direct intensity detectors, for far-infrared radiation. Our presentation also includes the novel approach to hot-electron quantum detection implemented in superconducting x-ray to optical photon counters.
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Semenov, A. D., Il'in, K., Siegel, M., Smirnov, A., Pavlov, S., Richter, H., et al. (2006). Evidence of non-bolometric mixing in the bandwidth of a hot-electron bolometer. Supercond. Sci. Technol., 19(10), 1051–1056.
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Uzawa, Y., Miki, S., Wang, Z., Kawakami, A., Kroug, M., Yagoubov, P., et al. (2002). Performance of a quasi-optical NbN hot-electron bolometric mixer at terahertz frequencies. Supercond. Sci. Technol., 15(1), 141–145.
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Voronov, B. M., Gershenzon, E. M., Gol'tsman, G. N., Gogidze, I. G., Gusev, Y. P., Zorin, M. A., et al. (1992). Picosecond range detector base on superconducting niobium nitride film sensitive to radiation in spectral range from millimeter waves up to visible light. Sverkhprovodimost': Fizika, Khimiya, Tekhnika, 5(5), 955–960.
Abstract: Fast-operating picosecond detector of electromagnetical radiation is developed on the basis of fine superconducting film of niobium nitride with high sensitivity within spectral range from millimetric waves up to visible light. Detector sensitive element represents structure covering narrow parallel strips with micron sizes included in the rupture of microstrip line. Detecting ability of the detector and time constant measured using amplitude-simulated radiation of reverse wave tubes and pulse radiation of picosecond gas and solid-body lasers, constitute D*≅1010 W-1·cm·Hz-1/2 and τ≤5 ps respectively, at 10 K temperature. The expected value of time constant of the detector at 10 K obtained via extrapolation of directly measured dependence that is, τ ∝ τ-1, constitutes 20 ps. Experimental data demonstrate that detection mechanism is linked with electron heating effect.
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Gershenzon, E. M., Gol'tsman, G. N., Karasik, B. S., Lugovaya, G. Y., Serebryakova, N. A., & Chinkova, E. V. (1992). Infrared radiation detectors on the base of electron heating in resistive state films from traditional superconducing materials. Sverkhprovodimost': Fizika, Khimiya, Tekhnika, 5(6), 1129–1140.
Abstract: Characteristics of infrared radiation detectors based on electron heating in thin superconducting films transformed at T ≤ Tc to a resistive state by transport current and, if necessary, by magnetic field are investigated. A comparison is made of the characteristics of the detectors fabricated of different materials: aluminium, niobium, Mo0.5Re0.5. Some devices with different topology of the reception area are considered. Electron heating detectors are comparable by their sensitivity with superconducting bolometers, but differ in a high fast-response.
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Pentin, I. V., Smirnov, A. V., Ryabchun, S. A., Ozhegov, R. V., Gol’tsman, G. N., Vaks, V. L., et al. (2012). Semiconducting superlattice as a solid-state terahertz local oscillator for NbN hot-electron bolometer mixers. Tech. Phys., 57(7), 971–974.
Abstract: We present the results of our studies of the semiconducting superlattice (SSL) frequency multiplier and its application as part of the solid state local oscillator (LO) in the terahertz heterodyne receiver based on a NbN hot-electron bolometer (HEB) mixer. We show that the SSL output power level increases as the ambient temperature is lowered to 4.2 K, the standard HEB operation temperature.
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Smirnov, A. V., Karmantsov, M. S., Smirnov, K. V., Vakhtomin, Y. B., Masterov, D. V., Tarkhov, M. A., et al. (2012). Terahertz response of thin-film YBCO bolometers. Tech. Phys., 57(12), 1716–1719.
Abstract: The bolometric response of high-temperature thin-film YBCO superconducting detectors to an electromagnetic radiation with a frequency of 2.5 THz is measured for the first time. The minimum value of the noise-equivalent power of the detectors is 3.5 × 10−9 W/Hz−−−√. The feasibility of further increasing the sensitivity of the detectors is discussed.
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Tret’yakov, I. V., Ryabchun, S. A., Kaurova, N. S., Larionov, P. A., Lobastova, A. A., Voronov, B. M., et al. (2010). Optimum absorbed heterodyne power for superconducting NbN hot-electron bolometer mixer. Tech. Phys. Lett., 36(12), 1103–1105.
Abstract: Absorbed heterodyne power has been measured in a low-noise broadband hot-electron bolometer (HEB) mixer for the terahertz range, operating on the effect of electron heating in the resistive state of an ultrathin superconducting NbN film. It is established that the optimum absorbed heterodyne power for the HEB mixer operating at 2.5 THz is about 100 nW.
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Ozhegov, R. V., Gorshkov, K. N., Okunev, O. V., & Gol’tsman, G. N. (2010). Superconducting hot-electron bolometer mixer as element of thermal imager matrix. Tech. Phys. Lett., 36(11), 1006–1008.
Abstract: The possibility of using a matrix of sensitive elements on a 12-mm-diameter hyperhemispherical lens in a thermal imager operating in the terahertz range has been studied. Dimensions of a lens region acceptable for arrangement of the matrix, in which the receiver noise temperature varies within 16% of the mean value, are determined to be 3.3% of the lens diameter. Deviations of the main lobe of the directivity pattern are evaluated, which amount to ±1.25° relative to the direction toward the optimum position of a mixer. The fluctuation sensitivity of the receiver measured in experiment is 0.5 K at a frequency of 300 GHz.
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Tret'yakov, I. V., Kaurova, N. S., Voronov, B. M., Anfert'ev, V. A., Revin, L. S., Vaks, V. L., et al. (2016). The influence of the diffusion cooling on the noise band of the superconductor NbN hot-electron bolometer operating in the terahertz range. Tech. Phys. Lett., 42(6), 563–566.
Abstract: Results of an experimental study of the noise temperature (Tn) and noise bandwidth (NBW) of the superconductor NbN hot-electron bolometer (HEB) mixer as a function of its temperature (Tb) are presented. It was determined that the NBW of the mixer is significantly wider at temperatures close to the critical ones (Tc) than are values measured at 4.2 K. The NBW of the mixer measured at the heterodyne frequency of 2.5 THz at temperature Tb close to Tc was ~13 GHz, as compared with 6 GHz at Tb = 4.2 K. This experiment clearly demonstrates the limitation of the thermal flow from the NbN bridge at Tb â‰<aa> Tc for mixers manufactured by the in situ technique. This limitation is close in its nature to the Andreev reflection on the superconductor/ metal boundary. In this case, the noise temperature of the studied mixer increased from 1100 to 3800 K.
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Kooi, J. W. (2008). Advanced receivers for submillimeter and far infrared astronomy. Doctoral thesis, , .
Keywords: HEB, SIS, TES, NEP, noise temperature, IF bandwidth, waveguide, impedance, conversion gain, FTS, integrated array, stability, Allan variance, multi-layer antireflection coating
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Gershenzon, E. M., Gershenson, M. E., Goltsman, G. N., Lyulkin, A. M., Semenov, A. D., & Sergeev, A. V. (1989). Limiting characteristics of fast-response superconducting bolometers. Zhurnal Tekhnicheskoi Fiziki, 59(2), 11–120.
Abstract: Теоретически и экспериментально исследовано физическое ограничение быстродействия сверхпроводящего болометра. Показано, что минимальная постоянная времени реализуется в условиях электронного разогрева и определяется процессом неупругого электрон-фонон-ного взаимодействия. Сформулированы требования к конструкции «электронного болометра» для достижения предельной чувствительности. Проведено сравнение характеристик электронного болометра и обычных болометров различных типов.
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Korneev, A., Finkel, M., Maslennikov, S., Korneeva, Y., Florya, I., Tarkhov, M., et al. (2010). Superconducting NbN terahertz detectors and infrared photon counters. Вестник НГУ. Серия: физ., 5(4), 68–72.
Abstract: We present our recent achievements in the development of sensitive and ultrafast thin-film superconducting sensors: hot-electron bolometers (HEB), HEB-mixers for terahertz range and infrared single-photon counters. These sensors have already demonstrated a performance that makes them devices-of-choice for many terahertz and optical applications. Keywords: Hot electron bolometer mixers, infrared single-photon detectors, superconducting device fabrication, superconducting NbN films.
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Смирнов, К. В., Вахтомин, Ю. Б., Смирнов, А. В., Ожегов, Р. В., Пентин, И. В., Дивочий, А. В., et al. (2010). Приемники терагерцового и инфракрасного диапазонов, основанные на тонкопленочных сверхпроводниковых наноструктурах. Вестник НГУ. Серия: Физика, 5(4).
Abstract: В работе представлены результаты разработки и создания чувствительных и ультрабыстрых приемников, основанных на тонкопленочных сверхпроводниковых наноструктурах: болометрах на эффекте электронного разогрева (HEB – hot-electron bolometer) и детекторах одиночных фотонов видимого и инфракрасного диапазонов волн (SSPD – superconducting singe-photon detector). Представлены основные принципы работы сверхпроводниковых устройств, технология создания и конструкционные особенности приемников, их основные типы и характеристики. Достигнутые рекордные значения параметров приемных систем позволяют использовать созданные приборы при решении различных научно-исследовательских задач в ближнем, среднем и дальнем ИК диапазонах волн.
This work presents the results of the development and fabrication of sensitive and ultrafast detectorsbased on thin film superconducting nanostructures: hot-electron bolometers (HEBs) and visible and infrared superconducting singe photon detectors (SSPDs). The main operational principles of the superconducting devices are presentedas well as the technology of fabrication of the detectors and their main types and parameters. The achieved record parameters of the detectors allow application of the fabricated devices to solution of various research problems in the near, middle and far IR ranges.
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Смирнов, А. В., Карманцов, М. С., Смирнов, К. В., Вахтомин, Ю. Б., Мастеров, Д. В., Тархов, М. А., et al. (2012). Терагерцовый отклик болометров на основе тонких пленок YBCO. ЖТФ, 82(12), 108–111.
Abstract: Представлены первые результаты измерения болометрического отклика высокотемпературных сверхпроводниковых детекторов на основе тонких пленок YBCO на электромагнитное излучение с частотой 2.5 THz. Минимальное значение оптической мощности, эквивалентной шуму созданных детекторов, составило 3.5· 10-9 W/sqrt(Hz)sqrt. Обсуждена возможность дальнейшего увеличения чувствительности исследуемых детекторов.
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Гершензон, Е. М., Гершензон, М. Е., Гольцман, Г. Н., Люлькин, А. М., Семенов, А. Д., & Сергеев, А. В. (1989). О предельных характеристиках быстродействующих серхпроводниковых болометров. Журнал технической физики, 59(2), 111–120.
Abstract: Теоретически и экспериментально исследовано физическое ограничение быстродействия сверхпроводящего болометра. Показано, что минимальная постоянная времени реализуется в условиях электронного разогрева и определяется процессом неупругого электрон-фонон- ного взаимодействия. Сформулированы требования кконструкции «электронного болометра» для достижения предельной чувствительности. Проведено сравнение характеристик электронного болометра и обычных болометров различных типов.
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Гольцман, Г. Н., & Лудков, Д. Н. (2003). Сверхпроводниковые смесители на горячих электронах терагерцового диапазона и их применение в радиоастрономии. Изв. высших учебных заведений. Радиофизика, 46(8/9).
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Рябчун, С. А., Третьяков, И. В., Пентин, И. В., Каурова, Н. С., Селезнев, В. А., Воронов, Б. М., et al. (2009). Малошумящий широкополосный терагерцовый смеситель на эффекте электронного разогрева в плёнке NbN. Известия высших учебных заведений. Радиофизика, 52(8), 641–648.
Abstract: Разработан и исследован смеситель на горячих электронах, изготовленный из двуслойной плёнки NbN-Au, осаждённой на кремневую подложку in situ. Двухполосная шумовая температура устройства составила 750 К на частоте 2.5 ТГц. Измерения эффективности преобразования для смесителя длиной 0.112 мкм вблизи температуры сверхпроводящего перехода показали полосу промежуточных частот около 6.5 ГГц. Эти результаты являются рекордными и были получены за счёт улучшения контактов между чувствительным элементом и спиральной антенной при замене технологического маршрута с нанесением слоёв NbN и Au в отдельных процессах на технологический процесс, в котором данные слои наносятся in situ без нарушения вакуума.
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Лудков, Д. Н. (2005). Терагерцовые смесители на горячих электронах из тонких сверхпроводниковых пленок NbN и NbTiN. Ph.D. thesis, , .
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Масленников, С. Н. (2007). Смесители на эффекте электронного разогрева для терагерцового и инфракрасного диапазонов. Ph.D. thesis, , .
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Финкель, М. И. (2006). Терагерцовые смесители на эффекте электронного разогрева в ультратонких плёнках NbN и NbTiN. Ph.D. thesis, , .
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Рябчун, С. А. (2009). Широкополосные высокостабильные терагерцовые смесители на горячих электронах из тонких сверхпроводниковых пленок NbN. Ph.D. thesis, , .
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Ожегов, Р. В. (2011). Флуктуационная чувствительность и стабильность приемников с СИС и HEB смесителями для терагерцового тепловидения. Радиофизика, , 135.
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Селиверстов, С. В., Финкель, М. И., Рябчун, С. А., Воронов, Б. М., Каурова, Н. С., Селезнев, В. А., et al. (2014). Терагерцевый сверхпроводниковый детектор с аттоджоулевым энергетическим разрешением и постоянной времени 25 пс. In Труды XVIII международного симпозиума «Нанофизика и наноэлектроника» (Vol. 1, pp. 91–92).
Abstract: Представлены результаты измерения энергетического разрешения терагерцевого сверхпроводникового NbN-детектора на эффектеэлектронного разогрева, работающего при температуре около 10 К. Использование инновационной in situ технологии производства привело к существенному улучшению чувствительности детектора. Увеличение быстродействия детектора было достигнуто за счет реализации дополнительного диффузионного канала охла-ждения электронной подсистемы. Измеренное значение эквивалентной мощности шума на частоте 2.5 ТГц составило 2.0×10-13Вт•Гц-0.5, постоянной времени 25 пс. Соответствующее расчетное значение энергетического разрешения составило 2.5 аДж.
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Масленникова, А. В., Рябчун, С. А., Финкель, М. И., Каурова, Н. С., Исупова, А. А., Воронов, Б. М., et al. (2011). Широкополосные смесители на горячих электронах на основе NbN наноструктур. Труды МФТИ, 3(2), 31–34.
Abstract: Мы приводим данные исследования полосы преобразования смесителей на горячих электронах (hot-electron bolometer, НЕВ), изготовленных на основе тонких пленок NbN. Зависимость полосы преобразования от длины смесительного элемента находится в прекрасном согласии с результатами теоретической модели HEB-смесителя, в котором энергетическая релаксация электронов одновременно происходит по двум каналам: фононному и диффузионному.
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Пентин, И. В., Смирнов, К. В., Вахтомин, Ю. Б., Смирнов, А. В., Ожегов, Р. В., Дивочий, А. В., et al. (2011). Быстродействующий терагерцевый приемник и инфракрасный счетчик одиночных фотонов на эффекте разогрева электронов в сверхпроводниковых тонкопленочных наноструктурах. Труды МФТИ, 3(2), 38–42.
Abstract: Представлены результаты создания приемных систем терагерцевого диапазона (0.3-70 ТГц), обладающих рекордным быстродействием (50 пс) и высокой чувствительностью (до 5x 10^(-14) Вт/Гц^(1/2)), а также однофотонных приемных систем ближнего инфракрасного диапазона с квантовой эффективностью 25 %, уровнем темнового счета 10-1c., максимальной скоростью счета ~ 100 МГц и временным разрешением до 50 пс.
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Братман, В. Л., Литвак, А. Г., & Суворов, Е. В. (2010). Освоение терагерцевого диапазона: источники и приложения. Успехи физ. наук, 181(8), 867–874.
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Гершензон, Е. М., Гольцман, Г. Н., Елантьев, А. И., Карасик, Б. С., & Потоскуев, С. Э. (1988). Разогрев электронов в резистивном состоянии сверхпроводника электромагнитным излучением значительной интенсивности. Физика низких температур, 14(7), 753–763.
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