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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
08:22
Measurement of Ultrafast Vibrational Coherences in Polyatomic Radical Cations with Strong-Field Adiabatic Ionization
Published on: August 6, 2018
Niobium direct detectors for fast and sensitive terahertz spectroscopy
M O Reese1, D F Santavicca, D E Prober
1Department of Applied Physics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8284, USA.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|September 4, 2007
Summary
We developed a niobium hot-electron bolometer for terahertz spectroscopy. This fast, sensitive detector operates above 4.2 K, enabling new laboratory measurements.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Spectroscopy
- Materials Science
Background:
- Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy requires sensitive detectors for laboratory applications.
- Niobium-based devices offer potential for high-performance THz detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the performance of a novel niobium hot-electron bolometer.
- To evaluate its suitability for laboratory terahertz spectroscopy.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of an antenna-coupled niobium hot-electron bolometer.
- Performance characterization using microwave and quantitative terahertz measurements.
- Operation temperature assessment above 4.2 K.
Main Results:
- The detector exhibits a fast sub-nanosecond response time.
- Maximum responsivity reached 4 x 10(4) VW.
- Noise equivalent power achieved 2 x 10(-14) W/Hz(1/2), nearing the thermal fluctuation limit.
Conclusions:
- The niobium hot-electron bolometer demonstrates excellent performance for THz spectroscopy.
- Its sensitivity and speed open possibilities for novel laboratory spectroscopy.
- The device approaches the fundamental performance limits for hot-electron bolometers.
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