Maslennikov, S. N., Finkel, M. I., Antipov, S. V., Polyakov, S. L., Zhang, W., Ozhegov, R., et al. (2006). Spiral antenna coupled and directly coupled NbN HEB mixers in the frequency range from 1 to 70 THz. In Proc. 17th Int. Symp. Space Terahertz Technol. (pp. 177–179). Paris, France.
Abstract: We investigate both antenna coupled and directly coupled HEB mixers at several LO frequencies within the range of 2.5 THz to 70 THz. H20 (2.5+10.7 THz), and CO2 (30 THz) gas discharge lasers are used as the local oscillators. The noise temperature of antenna coupled mixers is measured at LO frequencies of 2.5 THz, 3.8 THz, and 30 THz. The results for both antenna coupled and directly coupled mixer types are compared. The devices with in—plane dimensions of 5x5 ,um 2 are pumped by LO radiation at 10.7 THz. The directly coupled HEB demonstrates nearly flat dependence of responsivity on frequency in the range of 25+64 THz.
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Vachtomin, Y. B., Antipov, S. V., Maslennikov, S. N., Smirnov, K. V., Polyakov, S. L., Kaurova, N. S., et al. (2004). Noise temperature measurements of NbN phonon-cooled hot electron bolometer mixer at 2.5 and 3.8 THz. In Proc. 15th Int. Symp. Space Terahertz Technol. (pp. 236–241). Northampton, Massachusetts, USA.
Abstract: We present the results of noise temperature measurements of NbN phonon-cooled HEB mixers based on a 3.5 nm NbN film deposited on a high-resistivity Si substrate with a 200 nm – thick 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 µm x 0.2 µm 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. We also present the results of direct detection contribution to the measured Y-factor and of a possible error of noise temperature calculation. This error was more than 8% for the mixer with in-plane dimensions of 2.4 x 0.16 µm 2 at the optimal noise temperature point. The use of a mesh filter enabled us to avoid the effect of direct detection and decrease optical losses by 0.5 dB. The paper is concluded by the investigation results of the mixer polarization response. It was shown that the polarization can differ from the circular one at 3.8 THz by more than 2 dB.
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Antipov, S. V., Vachtomin, Y. B., Maslennikov, S. N., Smirnov, K. V., Kaurova, N. S., Grishina, E. V., et al. (2004). Noise performance of quasioptical ultrathin NbN hot electron bolometer mixer at 2.5 and 3.8 THz. In Proc. 5-th MSMW (Vol. 2, pp. 592–594). Kharkov, Ukraine.
Abstract: To put space-based and airborne heterodyne instruments into operation at frequencies above 1 THz the superconducting NbN hot-electron bolometer (HEB) will be incorporated into heterodyne receiver as a mixer. At frequencies above 1.3 THz the sensitivity of the NbN HEB mixers outperform the one of the Schottky diodes and SIS-mixers, and the receiver noise temperature of the NbN HEB mixers increase with frequency. In this paper we present the results of the noise temperature measurements within one batch of NbN HEB mixers based on 3.5 mn thick superconducting NbN film grown on Si substrate with MgO buffer layer at the LO frequencies 2.5 THz and 3.8 THz.
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Vachtomin, Y. B., Antipov, S. V., Kaurova, N. S., Maslennikov, S. N., Smirnov, K. V., Polyakov, S. L., et al. (2004). Noise temperature, gain bandwidth and local oscillator power of NbN phonon-cooled HEB mixer at terahertz frequenciess. In Proc. 29th IRMMW / 12th THz (pp. 329–330). Karlsruhe, Germany.
Abstract: We present the performances of HEB mixers based on 3.5 nm thick NbN film integrated with log-periodic spiral antenna. The double side-band receiver noise temperature values are 1300 K and 3100 K at 2.5 THz and at 3.8 THz, respectively. The gain bandwidth of the mixer is 4.2 GHz and the noise bandwidth is 5 GHz. The local oscillator power is 1-3 /spl mu/W for mixers with different active area.
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Kaurova, N. S., Finkel, M. I., Maslennikov, S. N., Vahtomin, Y. B., Antipov, S. V., Smirnov, K. V., et al. (2004). Submillimeter mixer based on YBa2Cu3O7-x thin film. In Proc. 1-st conf. Fundamental problems of high temperature superconductivity (291). Moscow-Zvenigorod.
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Ozhegov, R. V., Gorshkov, K. N., Smirnov, K. V., Gol’tsman, G. N., Filippenko, L. V., & Koshelets, V. P. (2010). Terahertz imaging system based on superconducting integrated receiver. In Proc. 2-nd Int. Conf. Terahertz and Microwave radiation: Generation, Detection and Applications (pp. 20–22).
Abstract: The development of terahertz imaging instruments for security systems is on the cutting edge of terahertz technology. We are developing a THz imaging system based on a superconducting integrated receiver (SIR). An SIR is a new type of heterodyne receiver based on an SIS mixer integrated with a flux-flow oscillator (FFO) and a harmonic mixer which is used for phase-locking the FFO. Developing an array of SIRs would allow obtaining amplitude and phase characteristics of incident radiation in the plane of the receiver. Employing an SIR in an imaging system means building an entirely new instrument with many advantages compare to traditional systems: i) high temperature resolution, comparable to the best results for incoherent receivers; ii) high spectral resolution allowing spectral analysis of various substances; iii) the local oscillator frequency can be varied to obtain images at different frequencies, effectively providing “color” images; iv) since a heterodyne receiver preserves the phase of the radiation, it is possible to construct 3D images. The paper presents a prototype THz imaging system using an 1 pixel SIR. We have studied the dependence of the noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD) on the integration time and also possible ways of achieving best possible sensitivity. An NETD of 13 mK was obtained with an integration time of 1 sec a detection bandwidth of 4 GHz at a local oscillator frequency of 520 GHz. An important advantage of an FFO is its wide operation range: 300-700 GHz.
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Ozhegov, R. V., Gorshkov, K. N., Vachtomin, Y. B., Smirnov, K. V., Finkel, M. I., Goltsman, G. N., et al. (2014). Terahertz imaging system based on superconducting heterodyne integrated receiver. In C. Corsi, & F. Sizov (Eds.), Proc. THz and Security Applications (pp. 113–125). Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands.
Abstract: The development of terahertz imaging instruments for security systems is on the cutting edge of terahertz technology. We are developing a THz imaging system based on a superconducting integrated receiver (SIR). An SIR is a new type of heterodyne receiver based on an SIS mixer integrated with a flux-flow oscillator (FFO) and a harmonic mixer which is used for phase-locking the FFO. Employing an SIR in an imaging system means building an entirely new instrument with many advantages compared to traditional systems.
In this project we propose a prototype THz imaging system using an 1 pixel SIR and 2D scanner. At a local oscillator frequency of 500 GHz the best noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD) of the SIR is 10 mK at an integration time of 1 s and a detection bandwidth of 4 GHz. The scanner consists of two rotating flat mirrors placed in front of the antenna consisting of a spherical primary reflector and an aspherical secondary reflector. The diameter of the primary reflector is 0.3 m. The operating frequency of the imaging system is 600 GHz, the frame rate is 0.1 FPS, the scanning area is 0.5 × 0.5 m2, the image resolution is 50 × 50 pixels, the distance from an object to the scanner was 3 m. We have obtained THz images with a spatial resolution of 8 mm and a NETD of less than 2 K.
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Smirnov, K. V., Vakhtomin, Y. B., Divochiy, A. V., Ozhegov, R. V., Pentin, I. V., & Gol'tsman, G. N. (2010). Infrared and terahertz detectors on basis of superconducting nanostructures. In IEEE (Ed.), Microwave and Telecom. Technol. (CriMiCo), 20th Int. Crimean Conf. (pp. 823–824).
Abstract: Results of development of single-photon receiving systems of visible, infrared and terahertz range based on thin-film superconducting nanostructures are presented. The receiving systems are produced on the basis of superconducting nanostructures, which function by means of hot-electron phenomena.
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Seleznev, V. A., Divochiy, A. V., Vakhtomin, Y. B., Morozov, P. V., Zolotov, P. I., Vasil'ev, D. D., et al. (2016). Superconducting detector of IR single-photons based on thin WSi films. In J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. (Vol. 737, 012032).
Abstract: We have developed the deposition technology of WSi thin films 4 to 9 nm thick with high temperature values of superconducting transition (Tc~4 K). Based on deposed films there were produced nanostructures with indicative planar sizes ~100 nm, and the research revealed that even on nanoscale the films possess of high critical temperature values of the superconducting transition (Tc~3.3-3.7 K) which certifies high quality and homogeneity of the films created. The first experiments on creating superconducting single-photon detectors showed that the detectors' SDE (system detection efficiency) with increasing bias current (I b) reaches a constant value of ~30% (for X=1.55 micron) defined by infrared radiation absorption by the superconducting structure. To enhance radiation absorption by the superconductor there were created detectors with cavity structures which demonstrated a practically constant value of quantum efficiency >65% for bias currents Ib>0.6-Ic. The minimal dark counts level (DC) made 1 s-1 limited with background noise. Hence WSi is the most promising material for creating single-photon detectors with record SDE/DC ratio and noise equivalent power (NEP).
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Zolotov, P. I., Divochiy, A. V., Vakhtomin, Y. B., Lubenchenko, A. V., Morozov, P. V., Shurkaeva, I. V., et al. (2018). Influence of sputtering parameters on the main characteristics of ultra-thin vanadium nitride films. In J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. (Vol. 1124, 051030).
Abstract: We researched the relation between deposition and ultra-thin VN films parameters. To conduct the experimental study we varied substrate temperature, Ar and N2 partial pressures and deposition rate. The study allowed us to obtain the films with close to the bulk values transition temperatures and implement such samples in order to fabricate superconducting single-photon detectors.
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Romanov, N. R., Zolotov, P. I., Vakhtomin, Y. B., Divochiy, A. V., & Smirnov, K. V. (2018). Electron diffusivity measurements of VN superconducting single-photon detectors. In J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. (Vol. 1124, 051032).
Abstract: The research of ultrathin vanadium nitride (VN) films as a promising candidate for superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPD) is presented. The electron diffusivity measurements are performed for such devices. Devices that were fabricated out from 9.9 nm films had diffusivity coefficient of 0.41 cm2/s and from 5.4 nm – 0.54 cm2/s. Obtained values are similar to other typical SSPD materials. The diffusivity that increases along with decreasing of the film thickness is expected to allow fabrication of the devices with improved characteristics. Fabricated VN SSPDs showed prominent single-photon response in the range 0.9-1.55 µm.
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Zolotov, P. I., Divochiy, A. V., Vakhtomin, Y. B., Morozov, P. V., Seleznev, V. A., & Smirnov, K. V. (2017). Development of high-effective superconducting single-photon detectors aimed for mid-IR spectrum range. In J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. (Vol. 917, 062037).
Abstract: We report on development of superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPD) with high intrinsic quantum efficiency in the wavelength range 1.31 – 3.3 μm. By optimization of the NbN film thickness and its compound, we managed to improve detection efficiency of the detectors in the range up to 3.3 μm. Optimized devices showed intrinsic quantum efficiencies as high as 10% at mid-IR range.
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Svechnikov, S. I., Finkel, M. I., Maslennikov, S. N., Vachtomin, Y. B., Smirnov, K. V., Seleznev, V. A., et al. (2006). Superconducting hot electron bolometer mixer for middle IR range. In Proc. 16th Int. Crimean Microwave and Telecommunication Technology (Vol. 2, pp. 686–687).
Abstract: The developed directly lens coupled hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixer was based on 5 nm superconducting NbN deposited on GaAs substrate. The layout of the structure, including 30x20 mcm^2 active area coupled with a 50 Ohm coplanar line, was patterned by photolithography. The responsivity of the mixer was measured in a direct detection mode in the 25-64 THz frequency range. The noise performance of the mixer and the directivity of the receiver were investigated in a heterodyne mode. A 10.6 mum wavelength CW CO2 laser was utilized as a local oscillator.
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Smirnov, K. V., Vachtomin, Y. B., Ozhegov, R. V., Pentin, I. V., Slivinskaya, E. V., Korneev, A. A., et al. (2008). Fiber coupled single photon receivers based on superconducting detectors for quantum communications and quantum cryptography. In P. Tománek, D. Senderáková, & M. Hrabovský (Eds.), Proc. SPIE (Vol. 7138, 713827 (1 to 6)). Spie.
Abstract: At present superconducting detectors become increasingly attractive for various practical applications. In this paper we present results on the depelopment of fiber coupled receiver systems for the registration of IR single photons, optimized for telecommunication and quantum-cryptography. These receiver systems were developed on the basis of superconducting single photon detectors (SSPD) of VIS and IR wavelength ranges. The core of the SSPD is a narrow ( 100 nm) and long ( 0,5 mm) strip in the form of a meander which is patterned from a 4-nm-thick NbN film (TC=10-11 K, jC= 5-7•106 A/cm2); the sensitive area dimensions are 10×10 μm2. The main problem to be solved while the receiver system development was optical coupling of a single-mode fiber (9 microns in diameter) with the SSPD sensitive area. Characteristics of the developed system at the optical input are as follows: quantum efficiency >10 % (at 1.3 μm), >4 % (at 1.55 μm); dark counts rate ≤1 s-1; duration of voltage pulse ≤5 ns; jitter ≤40 ps. The receiver systems have either one or two identical channels (for the case of carrying out correlation measurements) and are made as an insert in a helium storage Dewar.
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Zinoni, C., Alloing, B., Li, L. H., Marsili, F., Fiore, A., Lunghi, L., et al. (2007). Single-photonics at telecom wavelengths using nanowire superconducting single photon detectors. In CLEO/QELS (QTuF6 (1 to 2)). Optical Society of America.
Abstract: Novel single-photon detectors based on NbN superconducting nanostructures promise orders-of- magnitude improvement over InGaAs APDs. We demonstrate this improved performance for the first time by measuring the g(2)(τ) on single photon states produced by a quantum dot at telecom wavelength.
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