New nano-detector very promising for remote cosmic realms

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Coloured scanning electron microscope image showing a superconducting acutehot electron bolometeracute (HEB) for detection of terahertz radiation. The superconducting niobiumnitride nano-bridge is shown at the center which connects to the on-chip (pa ...
Coloured scanning electron microscope image showing a superconducting 'hot electron bolometer' (HEB) for detection of terahertz radiation. The superconducting niobiumnitride nano-bridge is shown at the center which connects to the on-chip (partly shown) gold spiral antenna via additional contact pads. The strip covering the bridge is a left-over from the processing. Credit: Delft University of Technology

A miniscule but super-sensitive sensor can help solve the mysteries of outer space. Cosmic radiation, which contains the terahertz frequencies that the sensors detect, offers astronomers important new information about the birth of star systems and planets. Merlijn Hajenius developed these sensors for Delft University of Technology's Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, in close cooperation with the SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research.


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