Sensitivity of a superconducting photon detector with a normal domain

Abstract

This study analyzes a non-threshold electromagnetic radiation detector, which is a current-carrying superconducting film with a normal domain. The normal domain is formed as a result of heating a portion of the film by an external heat source, and Joule heat in the domain. The detection mechanism consists in the fact that the heating of the film by electromagnetic radiation leads to an increase in the length of the normal domain, and thereby to an increase in voltage across the film. The authors have calculated the sensitivity of the detector under consideration, and determined the conditions under which this sensitivity reaches its maximum.