Abstract: We analyze the ultimate performance of a superconducting quantum detector in order to meet requirements for applications in near-infrared astronomy and X-ray spectroscopy. The detector exploits a combined detection mechanism, in which avalanche quasiparticle multiplication and the supercurrent jointly produce a voltage response to a single absorbed photon via successive formation of a photon-induced and a current-induced normal hotspot in a narrow superconducting strip. The response time of the detector should increase with the photon energy providing energy resolution. Depending on the superconducting material and operation conditions, the cut-off wavelength for the single-photon detection regime varies from infrared waves to visible light. We simulated the performance of the background-limited infrared direct detector and X-ray photon counter utilizing the above mechanism. Low dark count rate and intrinsic low-frequency cut-off allow for realizing a background limited noise equivalent power of 10−20 W Hz−1/2 for a far-infrared direct detector exposed to 4-K background radiation. At low temperatures, the intrinsic response time of the counter is rather determined by diffusion of nonequilibrium electrons than by the rate of energy transfer to phonons. Therefore, thermal fluctuations do not hamper energy resolution of the X-ray photon counter that should be better than 10−3 for 6-keV photons. Comparison of new data obtained with a Nb based detector and previously reported results on NbN quantum detectors support our estimates of ultimate detector performance.

Abstract: During the past decade major advances have been made regarding low noise mixers for terahertz (THz) heterodyne receivers. State of the art hot-electron-bolometer (HEB) mixers have noise temperatures close to the quantum limit and require less than a µW power from the local oscillator (LO). The technology is now at a point where the performance of a practical receiver employing such mixer, rather than the figures of merit of the mixer itself, are of major concern. We have incorporated a phonon-cooled NbN HEB mixer in a 2.5 THz heterodyne receiver and investigated the performance of the receiver. This yields important information for the development of heterodyne receivers such as GREAT (German receiver for astronomy at THz frequencies aboard SOFIA) [1] and TELIS (Terahertz limb sounder), a balloon borne heterodyne receiver for atmospheric research [2]. Both are currently under development at DLR.

Abstract: Recently, active research has been conducted in the field of terahertz (THz) scanning of human tissues for non­invasive determination of their hydration level, which haves hown high diagnostic efficiency of this technology in various pathological conditions. Recently, we have developed a laboratory model of the facility for monitoring the state of the water balance of the cornea using THz scanning in vivo, which opens up the possibility of applying this approach in ophthalmology. The aim of the work wasto compare the results of the THz scan of the cornea with its clinical changes using the example of an experimental model of the UV­ induced keratouveitis. Anexperimental study, which included a comprehensive assessment of clinical changes in the cornea of rabbits during keratouveitis induction, revealed a decrease in the stability of the tear film, pathological changes in the corneal epithelium and stroma, as well as its anatomical and optical parameters. Comparison of data obtained in the THz scan of the cornea with tears production, optical coherence tomography and confocal microscopy showed their consistency in all observation periods, which allows us to conclude that the developed laboratory setup works and the feasibility of further research to promote the corneal hydration evaluation technology in clinical practice. Acknowledgements: Research was funded by the RSF, grant number 16­15­00255.