PT Journal
AU Karasik, BS
   Cantor, R
TI Optical NEP in hot-electron nanobolometers
PY 2010
BP 1
EP 7
DE HEB; Ti; NEP; femtowatt; SAFARI; SPICA; 650 GHz; 0.65 THz; 460 um; twin slot antenna; SQUID readout
AB For the first time, we have measured the optical noise equivalent power (NEP) in titanium (Ti) superconducting hot-electron nanobolometers (nano-HEBs). The bolometers were 2{\mu}mx1{\mu}mx20nm and 1{\mu}mx1{\mu}mx20nm planar antenna-coupled devices. The measurements were done at {\lambda} = 460 {\mu}m using a cryogenic black body radiation source delivering optical power from a fraction of a femtowatt to a few 100s of femtowatts. A record low NEP = 3x10^{-19} W/Hz^{1/2} at 50 mK has been achieved. This sensitivity meets the requirements for SAFARI instrument on the SPICA telescope. The ways for further improvement of the nano-HEB detector sensitivity are discussed.
ER