Terahertz imaging at 77 K

Abstract

Terahertz (THz) technology is receiving increasing attention around the world due to its important potential in many application areas. Novel compact solid-state sources and detectors are being sought forTHz radiation and detection. We report the realization of aTHz imager based on a high- T _c superconducting (HTS) Josephson detector working above liquid nitrogen temperature (77K). The detector, made of a YBa₂Cu ₃O_7-x (YBCO) step-edge Josephson junction, is coupled to a thin-film ring-slot antenna and a hemispheric silicon lens. Images of high visual quality are obtained which demonstrate unique properties ofTHz radiation such as the sensitivity to water content and the ability to penetrate packaging materials. The results should stimulate further research leading to the development of a HTS superconductingTHz imaging system.