Radiant energy – Invisible radiant energy responsive electric signalling – Superconducting type
Patent
1991-11-22
1994-07-19
Hannaher, Constantine
Radiant energy
Invisible radiant energy responsive electric signalling
Superconducting type
2503381, 505848, 505849, G01J 142, H01L 3922
Patent
active
053311620
ABSTRACT:
A superconducting infrared photodetector employing SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) measurement of fluxon flow in thin superconducting granular films to provide sensitive, low-noise detection of infrared radiation. The superconducting infrared photodetector includes a plurality of superconducting detector elements connected in parallel or series, means for supplying a bias current to the detector elements, and a digital or analog SQUID readout circuit. Each detector element includes a thin granular film of superconducting material which forms a randomly connected array of weakly coupled superconductors. The weakly coupled superconductors promote the formation of oppositely-polarized fluxons, which are driven to opposite sides of the film when subjected to the bias current. Incident radiation causes an increase in this fluxon flow, generating a voltage change. The voltage change is measured by the SQUID readout circuit to provide a sensitive, low-noise measurement of the amount of radiation incident on the detector elements.
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Lee Gregory S.
Leung Michael
Sandell Robert D.
Silver Arnold H.
Simon Randy W.
Glick Edward J.
Goldstein Sol L.
Hannaher Constantine
Steinberger James M.
TRW Inc.
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