MgB2 HEB based heterodyne array for applications above 2 THz

We will develop terahertz (THz) superconducting scalable heterodyne detector technology, with a focus on building large-array receivers above 2 THz and providing a wide instantaneous spectral bandwidth. High-resolution THz spectroscopy is a vital tool for studying molecular cloud structure and evolution and star formation. Large arrays are needed to study extended fields, and the wide bandwidth is required for the study of objects with high velocity dispersion, such as seen in nearby galaxies as well as the center of our Galaxy. The large bandwidth is also required for future projects that will exploit THz interferometry. Under a previous APRA funded task, we have developed a new type of hot-electron bolometer (HEB) mixer using thin superconducting MgB2 films (Tc =36-38 K) with a sensitivity close to the state-of-the-art (noise temperature ~ 2,000 K in the range 0.6-4.7 THz). In contrast to the SOA NbN HEB mixer, the new mixer has an intermediate frequency bandwidth of 7 GHz as is required for spectroscopy of 2.7 THz [HD], 3.4 THz [OIII], 4.7 THz [OI], 5.2 THz [NIII], and numerous other high-frequency lines. The mixer also operates at 15-20 K which is beneficial for balloon and space instruments. Our current proposal will continue development of MgB2 HEB mixer with a focus on improved sensitivity, reduced local oscillator power, and achieving an array receiver. Here we are going to develop waveguide mixer elements using MgB2 devices on Si membranes. Superconducting MgB2 films on Si have been achieved for the first time in our recent work and we will build our new approach on these results. This will be a 3-year collaborative work with participation of JPL, Temple University (Philadelphia, PA) and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).

The Astrophysics Research and Analysis program (APRA) supports suborbital and suborbital-class investigations, development of detectors and supporting technology, laboratory astrophysics, and limited ground based observing. Basic research proposals in these areas are solicited for investigations that are relevant to NASA's programs in astronomy and astrophysics, including the entire range of photons, gravitational waves, and particle astrophysics. The emphasis of this solicitation is on technologies and investigations that advance NASA astrophysics missions and goals.

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