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Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology

A broadband detector based on series YBCO grain boundary Josephson junctions

Egor I. Glushkov, Alexander V. Chiginev, L. S. Kuzmin, L. S. Revin

Published Mar 28, 2022• 12 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Modeling of a broadband receiving system based on a meander series of Josephson YBaCuO grain boundary junctions integrated into a log-periodic antenna was carried out. The electromagnetic properties of the system, namely amplitude–frequency characteristic, beam pattern, and fraction of the absorbed power in each Josephson junction were investigated. Based on the obtained results, a numerical simulation of one-dimensional arrays was carried out. The dc characteristics of the detector were calculated, that is, current–voltage characteristic, responsivity, noise, and noise-equivalent power (NEP) for a 250 GHz external signal. The optimal number of junctions to obtain the minimum NEP was found. The use of a series of junctions allows one to increase the responsivity by a factor of 2.5, the NEP value by a factor of 1.5, and the power dynamic range by a factor of 5. For typical YBaCuO Josephson junctions fabricated on a ZrYO bicrystal substrate by magnetron deposition, the following parameters were obtained at a temperature of 77 K: responsivity = 9 kV/W; NEP = 3·10−13 W/Hz(1/2); power dynamic range = 1·106.

DOI
10.3762/bjnano.13.27

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Modeling of a broadband receiving system based on a meander series of Josephson YBaCuO grain boundary junctions integrated into a log-periodic antenna was carried out. The electromagnetic properties of the system, namely amplitude–frequency characteristic, beam pattern, and fraction of the absorbed power in each Josephson junction were investigated. Based on the obtained results, a numerical simulation of one-dimensional arrays was carried out. The dc characteristics of the detector were calculated, that is, current–voltage characteristic, responsivity, noise, and noise-equivalent power (NEP) for a 250 GHz external signal. The optimal number of junctions to obtain the minimum NEP was found. The use of a series of junctions allows one to increase the responsivity by a factor of 2.5, the NEP value by a factor of 1.5, and the power dynamic range by a factor of 5. For typical YBaCuO Josephson junctions fabricated on a ZrYO bicrystal substrate by magnetron deposition, the following parameters were obtained at a temperature of 77 K: responsivity = 9 kV/W; NEP = 3·10−13 W/Hz(1/2); power dynamic range = 1·106.
For Josephson bicrystal YBaCuO junctions 3-1.5 μ\muμm in size, the response to an external signal was measured. Receivers with similar IcRNI_{c}R_{N}Ic​RN​ values at helium temperatures and different RNvalues were considered. The amplitudes of the Shapiro steps were measured for various external signal powers. The dependence of the output voltage noise on structure temperature was measured. It is shown that fluctuations of the critical current have the greatest influence on the output noise of the receiver. The volt-watt sensitivity and noise-equivalent power were evaluated for a 165 GHz external signal. Broadband classical detection of THz radiation by a YBaCuO Josephson junction (JJ) was studied based on resistively and capacitively shunted Josephson Junction model. Optimal temperature operating ranges for the use of each structure were shown.
For Josephson bicrystal YBaCuO junctions 3–1.5 µm in size, the response to an external signal with a frequency of 165 GHz was measured. Receivers with similar ICRN values at helium temperatures and different RN values were chosen for the study. The amplitudes of the Shapiro steps were measured for various external signal powers and sample temperatures. The dependence of the output voltage noise on the operating point, temperature, and external signal power was measured. It is shown that fluctuations of the critical current have the greatest influence on the output noise of the receiver. The volt-watt responsivity and noise-equivalent power were evaluated for a 165 GHz external signal. The experimental results are compared with numerical calculations based on the model of a resistive-capacitive shunted Josephson junction. Optimal temperature operating ranges for the use of each structure were shown.
Detectors made from superconducting cuprate YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub x/ bicrystal Josephson junctions (BJJs) on sapphire and NdGaO/sub 3/ substrates have been fabricated and characterized in the frequency band 200-900 GHz. Junctions on sapphire substrates had a normal state resistance R/sub N//spl ap/15-60 /spl Omega/, and I/sub C/R/sub N/ product up to 2.5 mV at T=4.2 K. Junctions on NdGaO/sub 3/ substrates had lower R/sub N/=1-5 /spl Omega/ and I/sub C/R/sub N/=0.4-0.9 mV at T=77 K. Three types of detecting devices have been investigated in both the broadband and the frequency-selective detection modes. One type was patterned with log-periodic antenna, and two others with Pt-metal double-slot antenna designed for a central frequency f=300 GHz and f=400 GHz, respectively. Measurements at f=320 GHz of the reception bandwidth /spl Delta/f for a device with double-slot antenna gave a quality factor Q=f//spl Delta/f/spl ap/10. A low-noise cooled 1-2 GHz bandwidth amplifier enables a better sensitivity in the self-pumping frequency mixing mode, avoiding the 1/f noise. The dependence of the spectral density of noise on voltage was compared to the data for the Josephson emission linewidth obtained by the selective detector response method. Also discussed are measurements at 500 GHz of the NEP values carried out at different experimental conditions.
Abstract Josephson devices have demonstrated the capability to work as harmonic mixers at terahertz frequencies. Low temperature devices, in particular Nb–Nb point contacts have proven particularly successful. However, practical applications of these devices have been limited by the need of utilizing liquid helium. To overcome this limitation we have investigated the use of high- T c devices. In this paper, we report mixings up to the 154th harmonic at zero-bias in a series of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ (YBCO) grain boundary Josephson junctions. We have integrated a meander series of three bicrystal YBCO Josephson junctions with a log-periodic antenna. When properly operated, this configuration allows to reach a harmonic number much higher than what possible with a single junction. This shows that the mixing performance benefits from the synchronous operation which also results in an improvement of dynamic range. We believe that the integration of a higher number of phase-locked junctions may further improve the mixer’s performance. Future studies should investigate the effect of higher number of junctions on the mixer performances, as well as the effect of the meander length.
Spectral measurements of a niobium Josephson junction arrays with overwavelength dimensions have been performed using a heterodyne receiver with a mixer based on a high-Tc bicrystal transition. The array is fabricated on a silicon substrate and is composed from 9996 series connected Nb/NbSi/Nb junctions embedded to parallel single-strip lines with the length 7.1 mm. The mixer in the receiver is a Josephson junction formed by a YBaCuO film on a bicrystal boundary of Zr1−xYxO2 substrate. Spectral measurements have been performed in the frequency ranges 150-180 GHz and 225-250 GHz. The aim of the work was the investigation of the influence to the spectral line from some factors of external electrical circuit: the type of power supply and the level of technical noises. Significant decrease of the linewidth from ~ 10 MHz to 0.5-0.8 MHz has been found at the connection of the array to voltage source instead of current source and at the minimizing of technical noises. The shift of spectral frequency from the Josephson one averaged over the array has been observed that is explained by the peculiarities of synchronization of Josephson junctions in large arrays.