A superconducting antenna-coupled microbolometer for THz applications

Arttu Luukanen; Robert H. Hadfield; Aaron J. Miller; Erich N. Grossman

doi:10.1117/12.544159

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8 September 2004 A superconducting antenna-coupled microbolometer for THz applications

Arttu Luukanen, Robert H. Hadfield, Aaron J. Miller, Erich N. Grossman

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Proceedings Volume 5411, Terahertz for Military and Security Applications II; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.544159
Event: Defense and Security, 2004, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

In this paper we demonstrate a superconducting bolometer, coupled to a lithographic antenna. The detector is operated at 4.2 K, and has an electrical noise equivalent power (NEP) of 14 fW/Hz^1/2. We note that this sensitivity is approaching the typical background noise limit for terrestrial observations. The attractive feature of antenna-coupled microbolometers is that the simple fabrication procedure allows straightforward scaling to arrays, multi frequency capability, as well as intrinsic polarization selectivity. These features potentially enable the remote detection of chemical or biological agents by measuring differential absorption with two or more bolometers coupled to antennas designed for the intended frequencies. The noise equivalent temperature difference attainable with these detectors is around 40 mK at 0.5 THz for an integration time of 1/30 s and 30 % bandwidth, which would enable unprecedented image quality in application to detection of concealed weapons. Although the devices require cooling to cryogenic temperatures, we note that compact, closed-cycle cryocoolers exist on the market, which removes the need for liquid cryogens and provides user-friendly operation.

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Arttu Luukanen, Robert H. Hadfield, Aaron J. Miller, and Erich N. Grossman "A superconducting antenna-coupled microbolometer for THz applications", Proc. SPIE 5411, Terahertz for Military and Security Applications II, (8 September 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.544159

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