Characterization of picosecond-scale response time of superconducting NbN hot electron bolometric mixers
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: A superconducting hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixer is an ultra-sensitive detector widely used for heterodyne detection of electromagnetic radiation, particularly at terahertz (THz) and submillimeter wavelengths. The response time of an HEB mixer is a critical parameter that defines its dynamic properties. In this work, we employ a pump–probe optical technique to investigate how the response time varies with temperature and bias voltage. Our measurements, conducted at 7 K under bias voltages of 1 mV and 2 mV, reveal a response time of approximately 40 ps. The pump–probe method was introduced to measure the HEB response time for the first time, overcoming conventional electronic bandwidth limitations and achieving picosecond-scale temporal resolution to characterize its ultrafast dynamics in the time domain. Additionally, the results not only reflect the intermediate-frequency noise bandwidth performance of the device but also provide direct guidance for material and fabrication process verification.
Source: Chinese Physics B
Authors: Guoao 国傲 Xie 谢, Ruixuan 睿轩 Tang 唐, Zhengheng 政恒 Luo 罗, Jiameng 家萌 Wang 王, Kangmin 康敏 Zhou 周, Wei 巍 Miao 缪, Wen 文 Zhang 张, Yuan 远 Ren 任, Shengcai 生才 Shi 史
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,500
OpenAlex ID: W7081952823