Proximity Array Device: A Novel Photon Detector Working in Long Wavelengths

S Javad Rezvani,Mariangela Cestelli Guidi,Daniele Di Gioacchino,Matteo Fretto,Claudio Gatti,Augusto Marcelli,Stefano Lupi,Sara Cibella,Nicola Poccia,Carlo Ligi

doi:10.3390/condmat5020033

Abstract

We present here an innovative photon detector based on the proximity junction array device (PAD) working at long wavelengths. We show that the vortex dynamics in PAD undergoes a transition from a Mott insulator to a vortex metal state by application of an external magnetic field. The PAD also evidences a Josephson I-V characteristic with the external field dependent tunneling current. At high applied currents, we observe a dissipative regime in which the vortex dynamics is dominated by the quasi-particle contribution from the normal metal. The PAD has a relatively high photo-response even at frequencies below the expected characteristic frequency while, its superconducting properties such as the order parameter and the Josephson characteristic frequency can be modulated via external fields to widen the detection band. This device represents a promising and reliable candidate for new high-sensitivity long-wavelength detectors.

Highlights

Long-wavelength radiation has recently become one of the most significant regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in terms of multi-disciplinary use in basic science research, and in different technologies [1,2,3]
In this work we present and characterize a novel device based on the superconducting proximity junction array that can be used for detection of photons at long wavelengths
We present a proximity junction arrays device (PAD), as a novel long-wavelength radiation detector

Summary

Introduction

Long-wavelength radiation has recently become one of the most significant regions of the electromagnetic spectrum in terms of multi-disciplinary use in basic science research, and in different technologies [1,2,3]. Recent studies have shown that superconducting devices can be employed for long wavelengths and in particular for THz generation and detection [11,12,13,14] These devices exhibit extreme low noise compared to their semiconducting counterparts, while having response time orders of magnitude lower and a higher frequency range of operation. The proposed device represents a step forward toward the design of a robust, low-noise, broadband, high-sensitivity, and long-wavelength radiation detector operating in a wide energy range covering the THz domain

Experiment

Results and Discussion

Conclusions