Characterization of terahertz single-photon-sensitive bolometric detectors using a pulsed microwave technique

D. F. Santavicca, B. Reulet, B. S. Karasik, S. V. Pereverzev, D. Olaya, M. E. Gershenson, L. Fmnzio, D. E. Prober

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

We describe a technique for characterizing bolometric detectors that have sufficient sensitivity to count single terahertz photons. The device is isolated from infrared blackbody radiation and a single terahertz photon is simulated by a fast microwave pulse, where the absorbed energy of the pulse is equal to the photon energy. We have employed this technique to characterize bolometric detectors consisting of a superconducting titanium nanobridge with niobium contacts. Present devices have Tc, = 0.3 K and a measured intrinsic energy resolution of approximately 6 terahertz fullwidth at half-maximum, near the predicted value due to intrinsic thermal fluctuation noise, with a time constant of 2μis. An intrinsic energy resolution of 1 terahertz should be achievable by reducing the volume of the titanium nanobridge. Such a detector has important applications in future space-based terahertz astronomy missions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationLow Temperature Detectors LTD-13 - Proceedings of the 13th International Workshop
Pages72-75
Number of pages4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
Event13th International Workshop on Low Temperature Detectors, LTD-13 - Stanford, CA, United States
Duration: Jul 20 2009Jul 24 2009

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume1185
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Other

Other13th International Workshop on Low Temperature Detectors, LTD-13
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityStanford, CA
Period7/20/097/24/09

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

Keywords

  • Calorimeter
  • Energy resolution
  • Single-photon detector
  • Superconducting bolometer
  • Terahertz

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Characterization of terahertz single-photon-sensitive bolometric detectors using a pulsed microwave technique'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this