Abstract

We have developed a new terahertz (THz) wave detector using an Nb-based superconducting tunnel junction (STJ). The STJ consists of a Nb/Al/AlOx/Al/Nb structure on a single-crystal LiNbO3 substrate. Using LiNbO3 as a substrate, an irradiating THz wave is converted to phonons in LiNbO3, which has a relatively high absorption coefficient. The phonons propagating in the substrate reach the Nb base electrode of the STJ and break Cooper pairs. As a result, the THz wave can be detected as tunneling current signals in the STJ. THz waves from a widely tunable THz-wave parametric oscillator (TPO) were irradiated on to the STJ, which acted as a THz wave detector. The STJs were cooled to an operating temperature of 0.4K using a 3He cryostat. We have observed STJ signals related to THz wave irradiations. In this paper, fabrication processes and characteristics of THz wave detectors using STJs are also discussed.

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