Cryocooled terahertz photoconductive detector system with background-limited performance in 1.5-4 THz frequency range

Rev Sci Instrum. 2015 Oct;86(10):105101. doi: 10.1063/1.4931582.

Abstract

We describe a 4-K-cryocooled dual-band terahertz (THz) photoconductive detector system with background-limited performance. The detector system comprises two THz photoconductive detectors covering a response in a wide frequency range from 1.5 to 4 THz, low noise amplifiers, optical low-pass filters to eliminate input radiation of higher frequencies, and a mechanical 4 K Gifford-McMahon refrigerator that provides practical and convenient operation without a liquid He container. The electrical and optical performances of the THz detector system were evaluated at a detector temperature of 4 K under 300 K background radiation. We proved that the detector system can achieve background-limited noise-equivalent-power on the order of 10(-14) W/Hz(1/2) in the frequency range from 1.5 to 4 THz even if the vibration noise of the mechanical refrigerator is present.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Equipment Design
  • Photons
  • Radiation Equipment and Supplies*
  • Temperature
  • Terahertz Radiation*