Full characterization and analysis of a terahertz heterodyne receiver based on a NbN hot electron bolometer

Journal article (2006)
Department
Kavli Institute of Nanoscience (AS) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2006 The Author(s); American Institute of Physics
DOI: https://doi.org/doi:10.1063/1.2354421
Oscillators Bolometers Niobium compounds Superconducting microwave devices Submillimetre wave receivers Submillimetre wave mixers Submillimetre wave antennas Slot antennas Broadband antennas
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Published Date

11-10-2006

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Source:

Journal of Applied Physics, 100 (7), 2006

ISSN:

0021-8979

Source:

http://link.aip.org/link/JAPIAU/v100/i7/p074507/s1

Faculty

Applied Sciences

Department

Kavli Institute of Nanoscience

Abstract

We present a complete experimental characterization of a quasioptical twin-slot antenna coupled small area (1.0×0.15??m2) NbN hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixer compatible with currently available solid state tunable local oscillator (LO) sources. The required LO power absorbed in the HEB is analyzed in detail and equals only 25?nW. Due to the small HEB volume and wide antenna bandwidth, an unwanted direct detection effect is observed which decreases the apparent sensitivity. Correcting for this effect results in a receiver noise temperature of 700?K at 1.46?THz. The intermediate frequency (IF) gain bandwidth is 2.3?GHz and the IF noise bandwidth is 4?GHz. The single channel receiver stability is limited to 0.2–0.3?s in a 50?MHz bandwidth.

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