Terahertz electromagnetic wave radiation and detection device using high-Tc superconducting intrinsic josephson junctions, and fabrication method thereof

摘要

Provided is a THz electromagnetic wave radiation and detection device using a high-Tc superconductor. The device includes an electromagnetic generation unit which is formed of a superconducting single crystal mesa structure where intrinsic Josephson junctions of superconducting layers and insulating layers are serially stacked and which can excite a THz electromagnetic wave; an insulating unit which contacts the electromagnetic wave generation unit and is not conductive; and an electromagnetic wave detection unit which contacts the insulating unit, is formed of the superconducting single crystal mesa structure where intrinsic Josephson junctions of the superconducting layers and the insulating layers are serially stacked and which can detect the THz electromagnetic wave. The radiation of the THz electromagnetic wave excited in the electromagnetic wave generation unit is coupled to the electromagnetic wave detection unit through the insulating unit instead of being emitted into the free space (air). Then, Shapiro steps in current-to-voltage characteristic are measured. This device thus provides a means to extract the THz electromagnetic waves out of the wave-generating unit, the characteristics and frequency of which are accurately diagnosed in the detection unit.