Records |
Author |
Schwaab, G.W.; Auen, K.; Bruendermann, E.; Feinaeugle, R.; Gol’tsman, G.N.; Huebers, H.-W.; Krabbe, A.; Roeser, H.-P.; Sirmain, G. |
Title |
2- to 6-THz heterodyne receiver array for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) |
Type |
Conference Article |
Year |
1998 |
Publication |
Proc. SPIE |
Abbreviated Journal |
Proc. SPIE |
Volume |
3357 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
85-96 |
Keywords |
NbN HEB mixers, applications, stratospheric observatory, airborne |
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. |
Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
SPIE |
Place of Publication |
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Editor |
Phillips, T.G. |
Language |
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Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
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ISBN |
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Medium |
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Area |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
Advanced Technology MMW, Radio, and Terahertz Telescopes |
Notes |
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Approved |
no |
Call Number |
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Serial |
1583 |
Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Huebers, H.-W.; Semenov, A.; Richter, H.; Birk, M.; Krocka, M.; Mair, U.; Smirnov, K.; Gol’tsman, G. N.; Voronov, B. M. |
Title |
Superconducting hot electron bolometer as mixer for far-infrared heterodyne receivers |
Type |
Conference Article |
Year |
2003 |
Publication |
Proc. SPIE |
Abbreviated Journal |
Proc. SPIE |
Volume |
4855 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
395-401 |
Keywords |
NbN HEB mixers |
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. |
Address |
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Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
SPIE |
Place of Publication |
Tucson, USA |
Editor |
Phillips, T. G.; Zmuidzinas, J. |
Language |
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Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
Presented at the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) Conference |
Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
4855 |
Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
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ISBN |
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Medium |
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Area |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
Millimeter and Submillimeter Detectors for Astronomy |
Notes |
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Approved |
no |
Call Number |
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Serial |
335 |
Permanent link to this record |