Place:

Physical Electronics Laboratory, Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2), Chalmers University of Technology.

Project description:

Terahertz range in electromagnetic wave spectrum lies between millimeter wave and optical ranges. It is loosely defined as 100 GHz -10 THz (=30m-3mm). The range of applications stretches from molecular spectroscopy in radio astronomy (both space and ground based) and material sciences, to imaging in security and non-destructive inspection areas. It has been demonstrated that THz waves can be used for low resolution spectroscopy of solids. For example, poisoning and explosive materials could be detected in this way. With longer wavelength than in optic and infrared, THz waves penetrate majority of package materials, cloth. However, in contrast to X-rays, THz photons have much lower energy and no not cause ionizations in the material they propagate in. Compared to MM-waves, where the wavelength is a few millimeters, THz waves offer better spatial resolution in newly emerged THz imaging systems: so called See-Through cameras.

The main task of this project is to design and fabricate a low noise multipixel terahertz receiver for frequencies 600GHz-3THz. The highest sensitivity THz detectors imply cryogenic temperature operation. It opens up perspectives for superconducting electronics. In this project, high temperature superconductors (Tc<100K) will be investigated for terahertz detection. Their performance shall be evaluated both theoretically and experimentally.

The project consists of

Theoretical study: Superconducting bolometers, terahertz antennas, terahertz receivers, long wavelength optics, literature study of different THz systems.
Design: THz antenna simulation, design of a THz camera (optical coupling, readout).
Fabrication (Nanofabrication Laboratory): Pulsed laser deposition of superconducting films, vacuum evaporation, photo-lithography, detector array fabrication.
Experiments: Thin films characterization, device dc and optical tests.
Requirements: It is of advantage to complete the course “Fundamentals of micro- and nanotechnology” or similar. Courses on superconductivity and microwave technology will help for a quick start up.

Contact:

Dr. Sergey Cherednichenko, serguei@chalmers.se,, 031-7728499.
Web: www.chalmers.se/mc2/EN/laboratories/physical-electronics/research/terahertz-technology