A high-T c superconducting (HTS) detector based on a YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−x (YBCO) step-edge Josephson junction has been developed and applied to terahertz (THz) detection. The detector was coupled to a ring-slot antenna designed for operation at 600 GHz, and used for THz imaging. The results suggest that the characteristic voltage and frequency of our HTS step-edge junctions can be readily optimized for the chosen THz frequency range at easily achievable temperatures. The images also clearly demonstrate some of the unique properties of THz radiation, including the sensitivity to water content and the ability to penetrate packaging materials.

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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This paper introduces both a hardware and a software system designed to allow low-cost electronic monitoring of social insects using RFID tags. Data formats for individual insect identification and their associated experiment are proposed to facilitate data sharing from experiments conducted with this system. The antennas’ configuration and their duty cycle ensure a high degree of detection rates. Other advantages and limitations of this system are discussed in detail in the paper.