High-Tc superconductor tunnel junctions for photon detectors

John Zasadzinski; Jun Chen; Kenneth E. Gray; David G. Hinks

doi:10.1117/12.183069

19 August 1994 High-Tc superconductor tunnel junctions for photon detectors

John Zasadzinski, Jun Chen, Kenneth E. Gray, David G. Hinks

Proceedings Volume 2211, Millimeter and Submillimeter Waves; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.183069
Event: Millimeter and Submillimeter Waves and Applications: International Conference, 1994, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

SIN and SIS quasiparticle tunnel junctions on high T_C superconductors (HTS) offer the possibility of low-noise, heterodyne, photon detection in the THz regime. We report progress on the development of such junctions using mechanical point contacts. In general, these contacts display the optimum characteristics that can be obtained from HTS native-surface tunnel barriers. The bismuthate, Ba_1-xK_xBiO₃, (T_C equals 25 K) displays ideal, BCS, quasiparticle characteristics at T equals 4.2 K however, at temperatures T approximately equals T_C/2 there is evidence of strong quasiparticle damping which may inhibit device performance. The cuprates typically display non-ideal quasiparticle characteristics including large sub-gap conductances. Recent data for the new Hg-based cuprates (T_C equals 96 K) are promising in that they exhibit very low and flat sub-gap conductances as expected from a BCS density of states. Proximity effect tunnel junctions on Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O₈/Au bilayers have been studied using an In tip. An induced energy gap has been consistently observed in the Au layer and the data can be understood using the McMillan model. A few junctions show much improved sub- gap characteristics compared to ones made directly on the BSCCO surface and indicate that this approach may be suitable for mixer development.

Citation Download Citation

John Zasadzinski, Jun Chen, Kenneth E. Gray, and David G. Hinks "High-Tc superconductor tunnel junctions for photon detectors", Proc. SPIE 2211, Millimeter and Submillimeter Waves, (19 August 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.183069

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