Objective "Terahertz heterodyne receivers are valuable tools for molecular gas spectroscopy both for space (radioastronomy, planetary science) and terrestrial applications. They provide both high resolution spectral data, as well as broad bandwidth line survey data. Due to the progress in device physics, such receivers can now reach several THz. At such high radio frequencies, neither electronic nor photonic approaches for THz detectors work, but rather a combination of both is required. Superconducting devices have proven to provide sensitivity levels close to the quantum limit, hf/k. Superconducting Hot- Electron Bolometers (HEB) based on ultrathin NbN and NbTiN films are currently the only devices which are used as mixers for frequencies above 1.2THz (SIS mixer limit). However, their speed (i.e. the instantaneous bandwidth) is limited by the finite electron energy relaxation rate, of 40-100 ps. It corresponds to the bandwidth of maximum 4-5GHz. Such applications in radio astronomy as extragalactic spectroscopy, molecular line survey require this bandwidth to be doubled to say at least. In this project we will investigate response rate in ultra thin MgB2 superconducting films. Preliminary investigation measured the electron-phonon interaction time as short as 1ps. Our recent data, point out on the response rate being limited by the phonon dynamic in the thick films. We will develop technology for ultrathin MgB2 film deposition, and processing THz nanobolometers. The response rate will be investigated with regards to the film parameters. In particularly, the phonon diffusion in superconducting nanobolometers will be studied in order to enhance the instantaneous bandwidth of MgB2 mixers. We estimate that the bandwidth of the novel THz detectors will be at least doubled compared to the existing once, providing completely new functionalities for THz radio astronomical receivers." Fields of science engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationsradio technologyradio frequencynatural sciencesphysical sciencesatomic physicsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyobservational astronomyradio astronomynatural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicssuperconductivitynatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopy Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-PE9 - ERC Starting Grant - Universe sciences Call for proposal ERC-2012-StG_20111012 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution CHALMERS TEKNISKA HOGSKOLA AB EU contribution € 1 497 775,00 Address - 412 96 GOTEBORG Sweden See on map Region Södra Sverige Västsverige Västra Götalands län Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Sergey Cherednichenko (Dr.) Administrative Contact Ingrid Collin (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all CHALMERS TEKNISKA HOGSKOLA AB Sweden EU contribution € 1 497 775,00 Address - 412 96 GOTEBORG See on map Region Södra Sverige Västsverige Västra Götalands län Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Sergey Cherednichenko (Dr.) Administrative Contact Ingrid Collin (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
