Devices
Research and applications of THz technology are focused on both high-performance sources and detectors and on low-cost and rugged devices, suitable for widespread use. Within this framework, high temperature superconductors emerge as good candidates for next generation superconducting bolometers. YBCO thin films can be properly exploited as THz sensors operating above the liquid nitrogen temperature, if their structural and electrical properties are modulated in a functional way by High-Energy Heavy-Ion irradiation. In our group, we develop, characterize, and optimize THz radiation sensors based on patterned YBCO films grown on crystalline substrates and on the Transition Edge of Hot Electron Bolometer designs. For this goal we employ optical lithography, ion irradiation and COMSOL Multyphysics® simulations.
