Abstract: Demand for efficient terahertz (THz) radiation detectors resulted in intensive study of the asymmetric carbon nanostructures as a possible solution for that problem. In this work, we systematically investigate the response of asymmetric carbon nanodevices to sub-terahertz radiation using different sensing elements: from dense carbon nanotube (CNT) network to individual CNT. We conclude that the detectors based on individual CNTs both semiconducting and quasi-metallic demonstrate much stronger response in sub-THz region than detectors based on disordered CNT networks at room temperature. We also demonstrate the possibility of using asymmetric detectors based on CNT for imaging in the THz range at room temperature. Further optimization of the device configuration may result in appearance of novel terahertz radiation detectors.

Abstract: We characterize superconducting antenna-coupled NbN hot-electron bolometer (HEB) for direct detection of THz radiation operating at a temperature of 9.0 K. At signal frequency of 2.5 THz, the measured value of the optical noise equivalent power is 2.0×10-13 W-Hz-0.5. The estimated value of the energy resolution is about 1.5 aJ. This value was confirmed in the experiment with pulsed 1.55-μm laser employed as a radiation source. The directly measured detector energy resolution is 2 aJ. The obtained risetime of pulses from the detector is 130 ps. This value was determined by the properties of the RF line. These characteristics make our detector a device-of-choice for a number of practical applications associated with detection of short THz pulses.

Abstract: We present the concept of the superconducting quantum detector for astronomy. Response to a single absorbed photon appears due to successive formation of a normal spot and phase-slip-centers in a narrow strip carrying sub-critical supercurrent. The detector simultaneously has a moderate energy resolution and a variable cut-off wavelength depending on both the material used and operation conditions. We simulated performance of the background-limited direct detector having the 100- micrometer cut-off wavelength. Low dark count rate will allow to realize 10-21 W Hz-1/2 noise equivalent power at 4 K background radiation. The intrinsic recovery time of the counter is rather determined by diffusion of nonequilibrium electrons, thus, thermal fluctuations do not hamper energy resolution of the detector. Provided an appropriate readout technique, the resolution should be better than 1/20 at 50- micrometer wavelength. Planar layout and relatively simple technology favor integration of the detector into an array.