A passive terahertz video camera based on lumped element kinetic inductance detectors

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Electrical Engineering
• Astronomy Instrumentation

Background:

• Kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs) are typically used in far-infrared astronomy.
• Terahertz imaging offers unique capabilities for terrestrial applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the feasibility of using lumped element kinetic inductance detectors (LEKIDs) for general-purpose terrestrial terahertz imaging.
• To adapt astronomical detector technology for non-astronomical applications.

Main Methods:

• Developed a passive 350 GHz (850 μm) video-camera.
• Fabricated a 152-element superconducting LEKID array from aluminum on a silicon substrate.
• Utilized a single microwave feedline with cryogenic low noise amplifier and room temperature frequency domain multiplexing.

Main Results:

• The camera operates at a quasi-video frame rate of 2 Hz.
• Achieved a noise equivalent temperature difference per frame of approximately 0.1 K, near the background limit.
• Demonstrated the potential of LEKIDs for terrestrial terahertz imaging.

Conclusions:

• LEKIDs are a viable option for general-purpose terrestrial terahertz imaging.
• This technology bridges the gap between astronomical instrumentation and terrestrial applications.
• The developed camera shows promising performance for various terahertz imaging tasks.