Terahertz (THz) technology is receiving increasing attention around the
world due to its important potential in many application areas. Novel
compact solid-state sources and detectors are being sought for THz radiation
and detection. We report the realization of a THz imager based on a high-
Tc
superconducting (HTS) Josephson detector working above liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K). The detector,
made of a YBa2Cu3O7−x
(YBCO) step-edge Josephson junction, is coupled to a thin-film ring-slot antenna and a
hemispheric silicon lens. Images of high visual quality are obtained which demonstrate
unique properties of THz radiation such as the sensitivity to water content and the
ability to penetrate packaging materials. The results should stimulate further
research leading to the development of a HTS superconducting THz imaging system.
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