Analysis of NbN Hot Electron Bolometer Receiver Noise Temperatures Above 2 THz With a Quantum Noise Model
Journal article, 2009
This paper summarizes our receiver noise temperature data of NbN HEB mixers obtained at a number of local oscillator frequencies between 1.9 to 4.3 THz in order to verify the role of quantum noise. The experimental data show that the receiver noise temperature increases roughly linearly with frequency. At 4.3 THz, we measured a receiver noise temperature of 1300 K, which is about 6 times (hf/k B) . The noise data at different frequencies are compared to a prediction of a noise model including the contribution of quantum noise and making use of a hot-spot model for mixing. We draw a preliminary conclusion that at 4.3 THz roughly 30% of the receiver noise temperature can be ascribed to the quantum noise. However, more dedicated measurements are required in order to further support the quantum noise model for HEB mixers.
noise
submillimeterwaves
Hot electron bolometer
THz
Author
Pourya Khosropanah
Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON)
Wen Zhang
Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON)
Erik Kollberg
Chalmers, Applied Physics, Physical Electronics
Karl Sigfrid Yngvesson
University of Massachusetts
J. R. Gao
Delft University of Technology
Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON)
Tarun Bansal
Delft University of Technology
Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON)
Merlijn Hajenius
Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON)
Delft University of Technology
IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity
1051-8223 (ISSN) 15582515 (eISSN)
Vol. 19 3 274-277 5067036Subject Categories
Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Information Engineering
DOI
10.1109/TASC.2009.2018817