NASA

Ultrasensitive Detectors and Calorimeters for Infrared Astronomy

RO Number 18357
Location Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Pasadena, CA 91109
Advisor Information
  • Karasik, Boris :: 818 393-4438 :: Boris.S.Karasik@jpl.nasa.gov
Keyword(s) Hot-Electron bolometers; Single-Photon detectors; Terahertz
Citizenship Requirement U.S. Citizens Accepted; Lawful Permanent Residents Accepted; Foreign Nationals Accepted
Description Our research activity focuses on the development of the most sensitive FIR/mid-IR direct detectors for applications on future space telescopes (e.g., SPICA, CALISTO, SAFIR, Millimetron). The principal approach is to use a submicron-size superconducting hot-electron bolometer (nano-HEB) operating at 0.1-0.3 K. Current research addresses fabrication, optimization, and lab characterization of the ultrasensitive nano-HEBs and also the development of the front-end THz coupling structures and readout circuits for detector arrays. The photon counting mode for detecting of very weak fluxes of IR radiation with the on-chip energy resolving capability is of special interest for applications of this type of detector. The activities also include ground based demonstrations of small submillimeter arrays and development of large detector arrays for suborbital and space platforms.


References:
[1] J.Wei et al., Nature Nanotechnology, 3, pp.496-500 (2008).
[2] B.Karasik et al., IEEE Trans. Appl. Supercond., 19, pp.532-535 (2009).