Abstract: We demonstrate that our ultrathin, nanometer-width NbN superconducting single-photon detectors are capable of above 1-GHz-frequency, real-time counting of near-infrared photons. The measured system jitter of the detector is below 15 ps.

Abstract: We present results for a method to measure directly the energy relaxation time (τe) for electrons in a single AlxGa1−xAs/GaAs heterojunction; measurements were performed from 1.6 to 15 K under quasiequilibrium conditions. We find τeαT−1 below 4 K, and τe independent of T above 4 K. We have also measured the energy-loss rate, ⟨Q⟩, by the Shubnikov-de Haas technique, and find ⟨Q⟩α(T3e−T3) for T<~4.2 K; Te is the electron temperature. The values and temperature dependence of τe and ⟨Q⟩ for T<4 K agree with calculations based on piezoelectric and deformation potential acoustic phonon scattering. At 4.2 K, we can also estimate the momentum relaxation time, τm, from our measured τe. This leads to a preliminary estimate of the phonon-limited mobility at 4.2 K of μ=3×107 cm2/Vs (ns=4.2×1011 cm−2), which agrees well with published numerical calculations, as well as with an earlier indirect estimate based on measurements on a sample with much higher mobility.

Abstract: This Letter presents, to the best of our knowledge, a novel optical configuration for direct time-resolved measurements of luminescence from singlet oxygen, both in solutions and from cultured cells on photodynamic therapy. The system is based on the superconducting single-photon detector, coupled to the confocal scanner that is modified for the near-infrared measurements. The recording of a phosphorescence signal from singlet oxygen at 1270 nm has been done using time-correlated single-photon counting. The performance of the system is verified by measuring phosphorescence from singlet oxygen generated by the photosensitizers commonly used in photodynamic therapy: methylene blue and chlorin e6. The described system can be easily upgraded to the configuration when both phosphorescence from singlet oxygen and fluorescence from the cells can be detected in the imaging mode. Thus, co-localization of the signal from singlet oxygen with the areas inside the cells can be done.

Abstract: Polymer composites containing nanocarbon fillers are under intensive investigation worldwide due to their remarkable electromagnetic properties distinguished not only by components as such, but the distribution and interaction of the fillers inside the polymer matrix. The theory herein reveals that a particular effect connected with the homogeneity of a composite manifests itself in the terahertz range. Transmission time-domain terahertz spectroscopy was applied to the investigation of nanocomposites obtained by co-extrusion of PLA polymer with additions of graphene nanoplatelets and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The THz peak of permittivity's imaginary part predicted by the applied model was experimentally shown for GNP-containing composites both below and above the percolation threshold. The physical nature of the peak was explained by the impact on filler particles excluded from the percolation network due to the peculiarities of filler distribution. Terahertz spectroscopy as a versatile instrument of filler distribution diagnostics is discussed.

Abstract: Plasmonic interferometry is a rapidly growing area of research with a huge potential for applications in the terahertz frequency range. In this Letter, we explore a plasmonic interferometer based on graphene field effect transistor connected to specially designed antennas. As a key result, we observe helicity- and phase-sensitive conversion of circularly polarized radiation into dc photovoltage caused by the plasmon-interference mechanism: two plasma waves, excited at the source and drain part of the transistor, interfere inside the channel. The helicity-sensitive phase shift between these waves is achieved by using an asymmetric antenna configuration. The dc signal changes sign with inversion of the helicity. A suggested plasmonic interferometer is capable of measuring the phase difference between two arbitrary phase-shifted optical signals. The observed effect opens a wide avenue for phase-sensitive probing of plasma wave excitations in two-dimensional materials.

Abstract: We present an active anti-latching system for superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors. We experimentally test it against a bright-light attack, previously used to compromise security of quantum key distribution. Although our system detects continuous blinding, the detector is shown to be partially blindable and controllable by specially tailored sequences of bright pulses. Improvements to the countermeasure are suggested.

Abstract: We report on the sub-terahertz (THz) (129-450 GHz) photoresponse of devices based on single layer graphene and graphene nanoribbons with asymmetric source and drain (vanadium and gold) contacts. Vanadium forms a barrier at the graphene interface, while gold forms an Ohmic contact. We find that at low temperatures (77 K) the detector responsivity rises with the increasing frequency of the incident sub-THz radiation. We interpret this result as a manifestation of a plasmonic effect in the devices with the relatively long plasmonic wavelengths. Graphene nanoribbon devices display a similar pattern, albeit with a lower responsivity.

Abstract: Here, we report on the successful operation of a NbN thin film superconducting nanowire single-photon detector (SNSPD) in a coherent mode (as a mixer) at the telecommunication wavelength of 1550 nm. Providing the local oscillator power of the order of a few picowatts, we were practically able to reach the quantum noise limited sensitivity. The intermediate frequency gain bandwidth (also referred to as response or conversion bandwidth) was limited by the spectral band of a single-photon response pulse of the detector, which is proportional to the detector size. We observed a gain bandwidth of 65 MHz and 140 MHz for 7 x 7 microm² and 3 x 3 microm² devices, respectively. A tiny amount of the required local oscillator power and wide gain and noise bandwidths, along with unnecessary low noise amplification, make this technology prominent for various applications, with the possibility for future development of a photon counting heterodyne-born large-scale array.

Abstract: Ultrafast single-photon detectors with high efficiency are of utmost importance for many applications in the context of integrated quantum photonic circuits. Detectors based on superconductor nanowires attached to optical waveguides are particularly appealing for this purpose. However, their speed is limited because the required high absorption efficiency necessitates long nanowires deposited on top of the waveguide. This enhances the kinetic inductance and makes the detectors slow. Here, we solve this problem by aligning the nanowire, contrary to usual choice, perpendicular to the waveguide to realize devices with a length below 1 mum. By integrating the nanowire into a photonic crystal cavity, we recover high absorption efficiency, thus enhancing the detection efficiency by more than an order of magnitude. Our cavity enhanced superconducting nanowire detectors are fully embedded in silicon nanophotonic circuits and efficiently detect single photons at telecom wavelengths. The detectors possess subnanosecond decay ( approximately 120 ps) and recovery times ( approximately 510 ps) and thus show potential for GHz count rates at low timing jitter ( approximately 32 ps). The small absorption volume allows efficient threshold multiphoton detection.

Abstract: In the original paper1the Ref. 10 should be M. Sanzaro, N. Calandri, A. Ruggeri, C. Scarcella, G. Boso, M. Buttafava, and A. Tosi, Proc. SPIE9370, 93701T (2015).

Abstract: We perform measurements of the switching current distributions of three w approximately 120 nm wide, 4 nm thick NbN superconducting strips which are used for single-photon detectors. These strips are much wider than the diameter of the vortex cores, so they are classified as quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D). We discover evidence of macroscopic quantum tunneling by observing the saturation of the standard deviation of the switching distributions at temperatures around 2 K. We analyze our results using the Kurkijarvi-Garg model and find that the escape temperature also saturates at low temperatures, confirming that at sufficiently low temperatures, macroscopic quantum tunneling is possible in quasi-2D strips and can contribute to dark counts observed in single photon detectors. At the highest temperatures the system enters a multiple phase-slip regime. In this range single phase-slips are unable to produce dark counts and the fluctuations in the switching current are reduced.

Abstract: Observations of radiation-enhanced superconductivity have thus far been limited to a few type-I superconductors (Al, Sn) excited at frequencies between the inelastic scattering rate and the superconducting gap frequency 2Delta/h. Utilizing intense, narrow-band, picosecond, terahertz pulses, tuned to just below and above 2Delta/h of a BCS superconductor NbN, we demonstrate that the superconducting gap can be transiently increased also in a type-II dirty-limit superconductor. The effect is particularly pronounced at higher temperatures and is attributed to radiation induced nonthermal electron distribution persisting on a 100 ps time scale.

Abstract: We report on the characterization of a superconducting nanowire detector for ions at low kinetic energies. We measure the absolute single-particle detection efficiency eta and trace its increase with energy up to eta = 100%. We discuss the influence of noble gas adsorbates on the cryogenic surface and analyze their relevance for the detection of slow massive particles. We apply a recent model for the hot-spot formation to the incidence of atomic ions at energies between 0.2 and 1 keV. We suggest how the differences observed for photons and atoms or molecules can be related to the surface condition of the detector and we propose that the restoration of proper surface conditions may open a new avenue for SSPD-based optical spectroscopy on molecules and nanoparticles.

Abstract: We report the observation of an ultrafast photoresponse of a high-T(c), film to far-infrared radiation pulses. The response of a sample, consisting of a current-carrying structured YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-delta) film cooled to liquid-nitrogen temperature, was studied by use of ultrashort laser pulses from an optically pumped far-infrared laser in the frequency range from 0.7 to 7 THz. We found that the response time was limited by the time resolution, 120 ps, of our electronic registration equipment.

Abstract: We consider the use of single-photon counting detectors in coherence-domain imaging. Detectors operated in this mode exhibit reduced noise, which leads to increased sensitivity for weak light sources and weakly reflecting samples. In particular, we experimentally demonstrate the possibility of using superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPDs) for optical coherence-domain reflectometry (OCDR). These detectors are sensitive over the full spectral range that is useful for carrying out such imaging in biological samples. With counting rates as high as 100 MHz, SSPDs also offer a high rate of data acquisition if the light flux is sufficient.

Abstract: The transparency of a film/substrate interface for thermal phonons was investigated for YBa2Cu3O7 thin films deposited on MgO, Al2O3, LaAlO3, NdGaO3, and ZrO2 substrates. Both voltage response to pulsed-visible and to continuously modulated far-infrared radiation show two regimes of heat escape from the film to the substrate. That one dominated by the thermal boundary resistance at the film/substrate interface provides an initial exponential decay of the response. The other one prevailing at longer times or smaller modulation frequencies causes much slower decay and is governed by phonon diffusion in the substrate. The transparency of the boundary for phonons incident from the film on the substrate and also from the substrate on the film was determined separately from the characteristic time of the exponential decay and from the time at which one regime was changed to the other. Taking into account the specific heat of optical phonons and the temperature dependence of the group velocity of acoustic phonons, we show that the body of experimental data agrees with acoustic mismatch theory rather than with the model that assumes strong diffusive scattering of phonons at the interface.

Abstract: Представлены результаты исследований сверхпроводящих однофотонных детекторов, изготовленных из ультратонкой пленки NbN. Развитие технологического процесса изготовления детекторов, а также снижение рабочей температуры до 2 К позволили существенно увеличить квантовую эффективность: для видимого света (λ = 0.56 мкм) она составила 30%–40%, т.е. достигла предела, определяемого коэффициентом поглощения пленки. С ростом длины волны квантовая эффективность экспоненциально падает, составляя ~20% на λ=1.55 мкм и ~0.02% на λ = 5 мкм. При скорости темнового счета ~10-4s-1 экспериментально измеренная эквивалентная мощность шума составила 1.5 × 10-20 Вт/Гц-1/2; в дальнейшем она может быть уменьшена до рекордно низкого значения 5 × 10-21 Вт/Гц-1/2. Временное разрешение детектора равно 30 пс.

Abstract: We have carried out a high-resolution spectroscopic study of the absorption of submillimeter radiation by free excitons in germanium compressed along the [ 1 11 ] axis in a magnetic field parallel to the compression axis. In particular, we studied the splitting of the 1s- 2p transition in fields up to 6 kOe at T = 1.6 K, and observed a complex pattern in the Zeeman splitting which we believe is related to the effect of thermal motion of the excitons in a magnetic field on their internal structure (the magneto-Stark effect). The calculated submillimeter spectrum of excitons agrees with the experimental data. We predict that in a magnetic field the energy of the 2p, term is a minimum at a finite value of the exciton momentum perpendicular to the field-that is, the energy minimum forms a ring in momentum space. It follows that the density of states for this term must be a nonmonotonic function of the energy. A theory is developed of analogous phenomena in positronium.

Abstract: A study was made of the heating of electrons in normal resistive states of superconducting thin Nb films. The directly determined relaxation time of the resistance of a sample and the rise of the electron temperature were used to find the electron-phonon interaction time rep,, The dependence of rep, on the mean free path of electrons re,, a 1-'demonstrated, in agreement with the theoretical predictions, that the contribution of the inelastic scattering of electrons by impurities to the energy relaxation process decreased at low temperatures and the observed temperature dependence rep, a T 2 was due to a modification of the phonon spectrum in thin fllms.
1. Much new information on the electron-phonon interaction time?;,, in thin films of normal metals and superconductors has been published recently. This information has been obtained mainly as a result of two types of measurement. One includes experiments on weak electron localization investigated by the method of quantum interference corrections to the conductivity of disordered conductors, which can be used to find the relaxation time T, of the phase of the electron wave function. In the absence of the scattering of electrons by paramagnetic impurities the relaxation time T, is associated with the most effective process of energy relaxation: T;= TL+ rep;, where T,, is the electronelectron relaxation time. At low temperatures, when the dependence T; a T is exhibited by thin disordered films, the dominant channel is that of the electron-electron relaxation and there is a lower limit to the temperature range in which rep, can be investigated.

Abstract: The kinetics of binding of free carriers'into excitons under stationary and nonstationary conditions is studied by investigating the submillimeter photoconductivity of Ge in a wide range of temperatures and of excitation levels. It is shown that the absolute values and the temperature dependence of the binding cross section (o- T-'.' ) can be satisfactorily described by the cascade recombination theory. The value of o and its temperature dependence differ significantly from the cross sections, measured in the same manner, for capture by attracting small impurities. Under nonstationary conditions, just as in the case of recombination with shallow impurities, a signifi- cant role is played by the sticking of the carriers in highly excited states.

Abstract: An investigation was made of the dependences of the intensities of photothermal ionization lines of excited states of shallow impurities in Ge on the intensity of impurity-absorbed background radiation and on temperature. The results obtained were used to find the density and lifetime of carriers of lower excited states of the impurity centers. The lifetimes of the excited states of donors in Ge were 10-~-10-" sec and the lifetime of the lower excited state of acceptors was -lo-' sec. In the presence of background radiation the population of the excited states was very different from the equilibrium value and, in particular, a population inversion of the 2pk, state relative to the 3p0 and 3s states was observed.

Abstract: The spectrum of the submillimeter photoconductivity of n-GaAs and n-Ge in a magnetic field up to 60 kOe at helium temperatures was investigated. A large number of lines due to transitions between excited states of the donors have been investigated, and the measurement results were used to determine a number of levels of the energy spectrum in a wide range of magnetic fields. For GaAs, these data are compared with calculations of the energy spectrum of the hydrogen atom in magnetic fields up to -2X lo9 Oe. For the donors in Ge, the energy spectrum is investigated at different orientations of the magnetic field relative to the crystallographic axes (H 11 [loo], [I 1 I], [110]), and these results are also compared with the corresponding calculations.

Abstract: Results are presented of an experimental study of the linewidth of cyclotron resonance under strong quantization conditions on the scattering of electrons by acoustic phonons. The measurements were performed in the 2....{).4 mm wavelength range at temperatures between 10 and 1.4 OK. A number of singularities were observed in the temperature and frequency dependences of the cyclotron linewidth. These can be ascribed to the effect of inhomogeneous broadening due to nonparabolicity of the electron spectrum, which is renormalized as a result of interaction with acoustic phonons.

Abstract: The high resolution THz gas spectrometer consists of a synthesizer based on Gunn generator with a semiconductor superlattice frequency multiplier as a radiation source, and an NbN hot electron bolometer in a direct detection mode as a THz radiation receiver was presented. The possibility of application of a quantum cascade laser as a local oscillator for a heterodyne receiver which is based on an NbN hot electron bolometer mixer is shown. The ways for further developing of the THz spectroscopy were outlined.

Abstract: Recently bright-light control of the SSPD has been demonstrated. This attack employed a “backdoor” in the detector biasing scheme. Under bright-light illumination, SSPD becomes resistive and remains “latched” in the resistive state even when the light is switched off. While the SSPD is latched, Eve can simulate SSPD single-photon response by sending strong light pulses, thus deceiving Bob. We developed the experimental setup for investigation of a dependence on latching threshold of SSPD on optical pulse length and peak power. By knowing latching threshold it is possible to understand essential requirements for development countermeasures against blinding attack on quantum key distribution system with SSPDs.

Abstract: In this work we report on the response of asymmetric graphene based devices to subterahertz and terahertz radiation. Our devices are made in a configuration of a field-effect transistor with conduction channel between the source and drain electrodes formed with a CVD-grown graphene. The radiation is coupled through a spiral antenna to source and top gate electrodes. Room temperature responsivity of our devices is close to the values that are attractive for commercial applications. Further optimization of the device configuration may result in appearance of novel terahertz radiation detectors.

Abstract: We present an overview of recent results for new generation of infrared and optical superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) that has already demonstrated a performance that makes them devices-of-choice for many applications. SNSPDs provide high efficiency for detecting individual photons while keeping dark counts and timing jitter minimal. Besides superior detection performance over a broad optical bandwidth, SNSPDs are also compatible with an integrated optical platform as a crucial requirement for applications in emerging quantum photonic technologies. By embedding SNSPDs in nanophotonic circuits we realize waveguide integrated single photon detectors which unite all desirable detector properties in a single device.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) belong to the most exciting objects of the nanoworld. Typically, around 1 nm in diameter and several microns long, these cylindrically shaped carbon-based structures exhibit a number of exceptional mechanical, electrical and optical characteristics [1]. In particular, they are promising ultra-small light sources for the next generation of optoelectronic devices, where electrical components are interconnected with photonic circuits.
Few years ago, we demonstrated that electically driven CNTs can serve as waveguide-integrated light sources [2]. Progress in the field of nanotube sorting, dielectrophoretical site-selective deposition and efficient light coupling into underlying substrate has made CNTs suitable for wafer-scale fabrication of active hybrid nanophotonic devices [2,3].
Recently we presented a nanotube-based waveguide integrated light emitters with tailored, exceptionally narrow emission-linewidths and short response times [4]. This allows conversion of electrical signals into well-defined optical signals directly within an optical waveguide, as required for future on-chip optical communication. Schematics and realization of this device is shown in Figure 1. The devices were manufactured by etching a photonic crystal waveguide into a dielectric layer following electron beam lithography. Photonic crystals are nanostructures that are also used by butterflies to give the impression of color on their wings. The same principle has been used in this study to select the color of light emitted by the CNT. The precise dimensions of the structure were numerically simulated to tailor the properties of the final device. Metallic contacts in the vicinity to the waveguide were fabricated to provide electrical access to CNT emitters. Finally, CNTs, sorted by structural and electronic properties, were deposited from a solution across the waveguide using dielectrophoresis, which is an electric-field-assisted deposition technique.

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.

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.

Abstract: Closing of the so-called terahertz gap results in an increased demand for optoelectronic devices operating in the frequency range from 0.1 to 10 THz. Active plasmonic in field effect devices based on high-mobility two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) opens up opportunities for creation of on-chip spectrum [1] and polarization [2] analysers. Here we show that single layer graphene (SLG) grown using CVD method can be used for an all-electric helicity sensitive polarization broad analyser of THz radiation. Allourresults show plasmonic nature of response. Devices are made in a configuration ofa field-effect transistor (FET) with a graphene channel that has a length of 2 mkm and a width of 5.5 mkm. Response of opposite polarity to clockwise and anticlockwise polarized radiation is due to special antenna design (see Fig.1c) as follow works [2,3]. Our approaches can be extrapolated to other 2D materials and used as a tool to characterize plasmonic excitations in them. [1]Bandurin, D. A., etal.,Nature Communications, 9(1),(2018),1-8.[2]Drexler, C.,etal.,Journal of Applied Physics, 111(12),(2012),124504.[3]Gorbenko, I. V.,et al.,physica status solidi (RRL)–Rapid Research Letters, 13(3),(2019),1800464.

Abstract: На примере p-Si⟨B,\,Ga⟩ с различной степенью компенсации проведена сравнительная оценка точности определения раздельной концентрации примесей по температурной зависимости концентрации дырок p(T) в случае одной и двух легирующих примесей с энергиями ионизации, различающимися менее чем в 2 раза. Исследована функция среднеквадратичного отклонения в пространстве параметров D(Nк, N2) (Nк, N1 и N2 — концентрации компенсирующих примесей бора и галлия соответственно, N2≫N1) в предположении, что N2, энергии B и Ga известны. Показано, что в случае двух легирующих примесей D(Nк, N1) в окрестностях минимума имеет «овражный» рельеф и при некоторых соотношениях между Nк и N1 разброс искомых величин превышает порядок, причем увеличение точности измерений p(T) существенного улучшения в вычислении параметров не дает. При одной легирующей примеси точность вычисления параметров высокая.

Abstract: Представлен обзор результатов цикла исследований природы электропроводности предельно очищенных образцов антимонида индия n-типа. Рассмотрены способы определения концентрации доноров и степени компенсации в этом материале, обсуждается роль свободных и локализованных на донорах электронов в электропроводности при гелиевых температурах. Обсуждение основано на анализе результатов исследования гальваномагнитных явлений, поглощения СВЧ излучения миллиметрового и субмиллиметрового диапазонов и ультразвука. Рассмотрены способы определения характеристик материала на основе комплекса результатов, полученных с помощью указанных методов. Обсуждается также фотопроводимость по примесям в n-InSb.

Abstract: На примере легированного и слабо компенсированного Si⟨B⟩ проведены исследования особенностей температурной зависимости подвижности при различных механизмах рассеяния. Уточнен метод определения концентрации компенсирующей примеси по μI(T). Полученные результаты обсуждаются и для Ge.

Abstract: В рамках теории квантовых поправок к проводимости объяснено отрицательное магнитосопротивление в n-Ge с концентрацией доноров Nd≃2.8⋅1016÷1.1⋅1017см−3, наблюдаемое в диапазоне температур 4.2−10 K, когда основной вклад в проводимость дают электроны верхней зоны Хаббарда. Показано, что время релаксации фазы волновой функции τφ определяется временем электрон-фононного взаимодействия τeph.

Abstract: Проведены исследования спектров фототермической ионизации мелких акцепторов (В, Аl) в Ge, предельно сжатом вдоль кристаллографической оси [100]. Из данных измерений с учетом теории построен энергетический спектр примесей. Показано, что энергии большого числа уровней четных и нечетных состояний хорошо соответствуют расчету, выполненному для примесей в анизотропном полупроводнике с параметром анизотропии γ=m∗⊥/m∗∥>1.

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.

Abstract: We have observed, nanosecond-in-duration, transient voltage pulses, generated across two-dimensional (2-D) NbN stripes (width: 100--500 nm; thickness: 3.5--10 nm) of various lengths (1--500 μm), when the wires were completely isolated from the outside world, biased at currents close to the critical current, and kept at temperatures below the mean-field critical temperature Tco. In 2-D superconducting films, at temperatures below the Kosterlitz-Thouless transition, all vortices are bound and the resistance is zero. However, these vortices can get unbound when a large enough transport current is applied. The latter results in a transient resistive state, which manifests itself as spontaneous, 2.5--8-ns-long voltage pulses with the amplitude corresponding to the unbinding potential of a vortex pair. In our 100-nm-wide stripes, we have also observed the formation of phase slip centers (PSCs) at temperatures close to Tco, and a mixture of PSCs and unbound vortex-antivortex pairs at low temperatures.

Abstract: We describe a novel quantum detection mechanism in the superconducting film carrying supercurrent. The mechanism incorporates growing normal domain and breaking of superconductivity by the bias current. A single photon absorbed in the film creates transient normal spot that causes redistribution of the current and, consequently, increase of the current density in superconducting areas. When the current density exceeds the critical value, the film switches into resistive state and generates the voltage pulse. Analysis shows that a submicron-wide film of conventional low temperature superconductor operated in liquid helium may detect single far-infrared photon. The amplitude and duration of the voltage pulse are in the millivolt and picosecond range, respectively. The quantitative model is presented that allows simulation of the detector utilizing this detection mechanism.

Abstract: The influence of terahertz (THz) radiation absorption on the efficiency of generation of coherent THz radiation in the system ‘nonlinear-optical crystal partially filling the cross section of a rectangular metal waveguide’ has been investigated. The efficiency of the nonlinear frequency conversion of optical laser radiation to the THz range depends on the loss in the system and the fulfillment of the phase-matching (FM) condition in a nonlinear crystal. The method of partially filling of a metal waveguide with a nonlinear optical crystal is used to ensure phase matching. The phase matching is achieved by numerical determination of the thickness of the nonlinear crystal, that is the degree of partial filling of the waveguide. The attenuation of THz radiation caused by losses both in the metal walls of the waveguide and in the crystal was studied, taking into account the dimension of the cross section of the waveguide, the degree of partial filling, and the dielectric constant of the crystal. It is shown that the partial filling of the waveguide with a nonlinear crystal results in an increase in the efficiency of generation of THz radiation by an order of magnitude, owing to the decrease in absorption.

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.

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.

Abstract: A new approach to investigation of the complex dielectric permittivity of both nonmetallic and ore minerals in the microwave frequency range is proposed. Using this approach, data on the complex permittivity of sphalerite, magnetite, and labradorite in a 10–40 GHz frequency range have been obtained for the first time. A method is proposed for calculating the complex permittivity from experimentally measured frequency dependences of the reflection and transmission coefficients of a plane-parallel plate of a given mineral. Approximate expressions that can be used for calculations of the complex refractive index and permittivity of minerals are presented.

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.

Abstract: The transport properties of two types of quasi-one-dimensional superconducting microstructures were investigated at ultra-low temperatures: the narrow channels close-packed in the shape of meander, and the chains of tunneling contacts “superconductor-insulator-superconductor.” Both types of the microstructures demonstrated high value of high-frequency impedance and-or the dynamic resistance. The study opens up potential for using of such structures as current stabilizing elements with zero dissipation.