Application of a high-temperature superconducting detector to terahertz imaging

Andrew D. Hellicar; Jia Du; Stephen M. Hanham; Li Li

doi:10.1117/12.819009

30 April 2009 Application of a high-temperature superconducting detector to terahertz imaging

Andrew D. Hellicar, Jia Du, Stephen M. Hanham, Li Li

Proceedings Volume 7311, Terahertz Physics, Devices, and Systems III: Advanced Applications in Industry and Defense; 73110G (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.819009
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2009, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

The performance of a high temperature superconducting junction detector is evaluated. The detector has been built to explore applications of terahertz imaging. The detector device is a high-temperature superconductor (HTS) Josephson junction, which is integrated with a thin-film ring-slot antenna. The ring-slot antenna is patterned on a magnesium oxide (MgO) substrate which is compatible with the detector's YBCO superconducting material lattice. A hyper-hemispherical lens made from high resistivity float zone silicon (HRFZ-Si) is mounted on the rear side of the substrate. The lens couples energy from an imaging system onto the antenna which couples the energy into the device. An existing terahertz imaging system is used in conjunction with the detector to allow for the exploration of relevant applications. The imaging system is based on a conventional quasi-optical design with a backward-wave oscillator as the source and raster scans samples for image acquisition. The imaging capability of the system has been assessed by trialing a range of applications in both transmission and reflection modes. Applications explored include imaging concealed weapons in packaging, non-destructive testing of materials, and imaging devices through plastic structures. The results generated by the imaging system demonstrate its capability for these applications.

Citation Download Citation

Andrew D. Hellicar, Jia Du, Stephen M. Hanham, and Li Li "Application of a high-temperature superconducting detector to terahertz imaging", Proc. SPIE 7311, Terahertz Physics, Devices, and Systems III: Advanced Applications in Industry and Defense, 73110G (30 April 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.819009

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available