Superconducting quantum detectors

Abstract:

The Quantum Theory of Mixing developed by Tucker provides a solid framework for understanding the behaviour of SIS mixers, and subsequent developments allow the simulation of complete mixer circuits. These methods operate, however, under the assumption of small signal levels, and so neglect the non-linear behaviour of the signal path. The non-linearity of the mixer's response to applied signals is of vital importance to the calibration of SIS receiver systems. We have previously reported(1) a procedure for calculating the full quantum behaviour of tunnel junction circuits under multiple high-level signals, allowing the accurate prediction of the saturation characteristics of SIS mixers. In this paper, we apply our procedure to both an idealized SIS mixer and one of our previously tested 700 GHz finline mixers. We find that the small signal behaviour predicted by our procedure agrees well with other simulation methods, and that the saturation properties of both of these mixers differ from that predicted by previous estimates of saturation behaviour.

Abstract:

A theoretical technique was developed for simulating the quantum-mechanical multitone behavior of superconducting tunnel junction circuits. The procedure was based on a full quantum-mechanical description of photon-assisted tunneling. It was expected to be used to model saturation in submillimeter-wave SIS mixers. SIS mixers were used extensively in submillimeter-wave astronomy.

Abstract:

The feasibility of making single-chip, superconducting detectors for submillimetre-wave astronomical inteferometry is demonstrated. An experimental device based on back-to-back corrugated horns, and back-to-back finline transitions, was fabricated. The detector was illuminated at 350 GHz, using a coherent laboratory source, and 0.6° fringes were measured.

Abstract:

We describe a waveguide to thin-film microstrip transition for high-performance submillimetre wave and teraherz applications. The proposed constant-radius probe couples thin-film microstrip line, to full-height rectangular waveguide with better than 99% efficiency (VSWR ≤ 1.20) and 45% fractional bandwidth. Extensive HFSS simulations, backed by scale-model measurements, are presented in the paper. By selecting the substrate material and probe radius, any real impedance between ≈ 15-60 Ω can be achieved. The radial probe gives significantly improved performance over other designs discussed in the literature. Although our primary application is submillimetre wave superconducting mixers, we show that membrane techniques should allow broad-band waveguide components to be constructed for the THz frequency range.