detlef born - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by detlef born

Research paper thumbnail of Herstellung und elektrische Charakterisierung von Anordnungen aus ultrakleinen metallischen Tunnelelementen: Abschlussbericht

SIGLEAvailable from TIB Hannover: F 01 B 551 a / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB -... more SIGLEAvailable from TIB Hannover: F 01 B 551 a / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekBundesministerium fuer Bildung und Forschung, Berlin (Germany)DEGerman

Research paper thumbnail of Präparation und Charakterisierung von Anordnungen aus ultrakleinen metallischen Tunnelelementen und Erprobung supraleitender Qubits

Die Erforschung der Dynamik der Elektronen in kleinen metallischen Strukturen ist nicht nur mit d... more Die Erforschung der Dynamik der Elektronen in kleinen metallischen Strukturen ist nicht nur mit dem Ziel der Miniaturisierung von Bauelementen und der damit möglichen Erhöhung von Integrationsdichte und Schaltfrequenzen verbunden. Von besonderem Interesse sind die neuen physikalischen Effekte, die durch verminderte Dimensionalität oder kleine Volumina in Erscheinung treten. Es zeigt sich, daß die aus dem Umgang mit sehr kleinen Objekten (Elementarteilchen, Atome, Moleküle) vertrauten Gesetze der Quantenmechanik eine wesentliche Rolle bei der Beschreibung der neuen Systeme spielen. Als Ergebnis wurden Möglichkeiten entwickelt, künstliche quantenmechanische Zwei-Niveau-Systeme auf Festkörperbasis makroskopisch zu realisieren. Solche quantum bits (Qubits) dienen als Grundbausteine eines künftigen Quantencomputers. Zur Untersuchung von Quanteneffekten in Anordnungen aus ultrakleinen metallischen Tunnelelementen wurde im Rahmen dieser Arbeit zunächst ein Meßplatz für Experimente bei sehr...

Research paper thumbnail of Photon counting of extreme ultraviolet high harmonics using a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector

Applied Physics B, 2022

Laser-driven light sources in the extreme ultraviolet range (EUV) enable nanoscopic imaging with ... more Laser-driven light sources in the extreme ultraviolet range (EUV) enable nanoscopic imaging with unique label-free elemental contrast. However, to fully exploit the unique properties of these new sources, novel detection schemes need to be developed. Here, we show in a proof-of-concept experiment that superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPD) can be utilized to enable photon counting of a laser-driven EUV source based on high harmonic generation (HHG). These detectors are dark-count free and accommodate very high count rates—a perfect match for high repetition rate HHG sources. In addition to the advantages of SNSPDs for classical imaging applications with laser-driven EUV sources, the ability to count single photons paves the way for very promising applications in quantum optics and quantum imaging with high energetic radiation like, e.g., quantum ghost imaging with nanoscale resolution.

Research paper thumbnail of EInfluss von Geometrie und Herstellungstechnologie auf das Zeitverhalten von SNSPD

Research paper thumbnail of DNA-Based Construction For Nanoelectronics

The application of biomolecules in nanostructure generation is an interesting alternative to tech... more The application of biomolecules in nanostructure generation is an interesting alternative to techniques in physical nanotechnology. Nucleic acids, and especially DNA, provides suitable chemical and physical properties to become an interesting object for molecular construction. The core principle of such DNA-based complexes is the self-organization of the DNA molecules. Synthetic short single-stranded DNA can be coupled to substrate surfaces, and the resulting thin films represent functional monolayers. Long DNA molecules provide the framework for nanoconstructions. The connections between these molecules and biologically functionalized planar or nanoparticular substrates is realized by self organization guided by the predefined complementarity and affinity of the utilized DNA. This coupling reaction can be controlled by simple parameters, such as temperature and pH. Based on this straightforward algorithm, a versatile bottom-up toolkit has been developed. Intermediate complexes are ...

Research paper thumbnail of Measuring the influence of Casimir energy on superconducting phase transitions: a cross-correlation data analysis

The ALADIN experiment aims at observing how the critical magnetic field of a superconducting Alum... more The ALADIN experiment aims at observing how the critical magnetic field of a superconducting Aluminum film is modified, when it constitutes one of the reflecting surfaces of a Casimir cavity. If successful, such an observation would reveal the influence of vacuum energy on the superconducting phase transition. In this paper a rigorous analysis of experimental data is reported, the results are discussed and compared with theoretical predictions based on Lifshitz theory of dispersion forces, and the BCS formula for the optical conductivity of superconductors. The main novelty with respect to a previous data analysis by some of the authors, is the use of a cross-correlation method which is more rigorous and leads to better estimates.

Research paper thumbnail of Little-Parks effect in single YBaCuO sub-micron rings

The properties of single submicron high-temperature superconductor (HTS) rings are investigated. ... more The properties of single submicron high-temperature superconductor (HTS) rings are investigated. The Little-Parks effect is observed and is accompanied by an anomalous behavior of the magnetic dependence of the resistance, which we ascribe to non-uniform vorticity (superfluid angular momentum) within the ring arms. This effect is linked to the peculiar HTS-relationship between the values of the coherence length and the London penetration depth.

Research paper thumbnail of Measuring the influence of Casimir energy on superconducting phase transitions: a cross-correlation data analysis

arXiv: High Energy Physics - Theory, 2012

The ALADIN experiment aims at observing how the critical magnetic field of a superconducting Alum... more The ALADIN experiment aims at observing how the critical magnetic field of a superconducting Aluminum film is modified, when it constitutes one of the reflecting surfaces of a Casimir cavity. If successful, such an observation would reveal the influence of vacuum energy on the superconducting phase transition. In this paper a rigorous analysis of experimental data is reported, the results are discussed and compared with theoretical predictions based on Lifshitz theory of dispersion forces, and the BCS formula for the optical conductivity of superconductors. The main novelty with respect to a previous data analysis by some of the authors, is the use of a cross-correlation method which is more rigorous and leads to better estimates.

Research paper thumbnail of The Aladin 2 experiment : status and perspectives

Aladin2 is an experiment devoted to the first measurement of variations of Casimir energy in a ri... more Aladin2 is an experiment devoted to the first measurement of variations of Casimir energy in a rigid cavity. The main scientific motivation relies on the possibility of the first demonstration of a phase transition influenced by vacuum fluctuations. The principle of the measurement, based on the behaviour of the critical field for an incavity superconducting film, will be only briefly recalled, being discussed in detail in a different paper of the same conference (G. Bimonte et al.). In this paper, after an introduction to the long term motivations, the experimental apparatus and the results of the first measurement of sensitivity will be presented in detail, particularly in comparison with the expected signal. Last, the most important steps towards the final measurement will be discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Next generation of a sub-millimetre wave security camera utilising superconducting detectors

Journal of Instrumentation, 2013

ABSTRACT Based on the previously demonstrated concept of passive security screening utilising sup... more ABSTRACT Based on the previously demonstrated concept of passive security screening utilising superconducting detectors, a next generation camera was developed to meet application demands. The new system was designed to achieve background limited performance using a linear array of up to 128 transition edge sensors which are read in a time domain multiplexing scheme by SQUID current sensors. It will be able to record videos with 256 × 128 pixels at 25 Hz frame rate. The necessary cooling of the detector array is provided by a commercial pulse tube cooler and a second, self-contained cooling stage. For imaging, different optics modules adapted to a feed-horn detector coupling can be used in combination with a linear scanning apparatus for mirrors up to 40 cm.

Research paper thumbnail of Multi-Level Self Organization Process For A Parallel Fabrication Of Aligned Metal Structures In Microelectrode Gaps Using DNA And Metal Nanoparticles

AIP Conference Proceedings, 2004

ABSTRACT A fabrication scheme for the generation of metal nanostructures integrated in microelect... more ABSTRACT A fabrication scheme for the generation of metal nanostructures integrated in microelectrode gap arrays has been developed. The scheme uses self-organization of molecular units such as long DNA and metal nanoparticles based on specific interactions. Thereby, it is open for parallelization as a typical requirement for future application of this approach. The assembly process is explained and demonstrated, and the results of ultramicroscopic characterization is presented.

Research paper thumbnail of A Construction Scheme For A SET Device Based On Self-Assembly Of DNA And Nanoparticles

AIP Conference Proceedings, 2002

ABSTRACT The unique potential of molecular nanotechnology is based on the fabrication of material... more ABSTRACT The unique potential of molecular nanotechnology is based on the fabrication of materials and devices starting from molecular units. Comparable to and based on the synthetic approach in supramolecular chemistry or molecular biology, an extended toolbox of molecular units as well as tailored reactions is provided by these fields. On the other hand, the progress in synthesis of molecular structures is not directly transferable into technical applications, what is mainly due to a missing integration of the synthetic products into technological interfaces and environments. Self-organization as used by nature to create complex organisms appears to be a solution to this dilemma. We propose a scheme for the realization of a single electron-tunneling (SET) device based on this principle, and demonstrate the realization of various steps toward this aim, especially a technique for immobilizing exactly one DNA molecule in a microelectrode setup based on self-assembly.

Research paper thumbnail of Eck-Like Resonances in High-Tc Long Faceted Josephson Junctions

Ieee Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, 2009

By means of numerical simulations we study the dynamics of the phase difference in faceted long J... more By means of numerical simulations we study the dynamics of the phase difference in faceted long Josephson junctions. We compare our simulations with experiments on a sample of high quality high-Tc biepitaxial junctions. Adjusting junction length and dissipation to reproduce the observed data we found a significant agreement, which permits to identify the observed resonances mostly as Eck steps. Some

Research paper thumbnail of Sub-Micron YBa2Cu3O7-x Biepitaxial Junctions

Ieee Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Progress in passive submillimeter-wave video imaging

Passive and Active Millimeter-Wave Imaging XVII, 2014

ABSTRACT Since 2007 we are developing passive submillimeter-wave video cameras for personal secur... more ABSTRACT Since 2007 we are developing passive submillimeter-wave video cameras for personal security screening. In contradiction to established portal-based millimeter-wave scanning techniques, these are suitable for stand-off or stealth operation. The cameras operate in the 350GHz band and use arrays of superconducting transition-edge sensors (TES), reflector optics, and opto-mechanical scanners. Whereas the basic principle of these devices remains unchanged, there has been a continuous development of the technical details, as the detector array, the scanning scheme, and the readout, as well as system integration and performance. The latest prototype of this camera development features a linear array of 128 detectors and a linear scanner capable of 25Hz frame rate. Using different types of reflector optics, a field of view of 1×2m2 and a spatial resolution of 1–2 cm is provided at object distances of about 5–25m. We present the concept of this camera and give details on system design and performance. Demonstration videos show its capability for hidden threat detection and illustrate possible application scenarios.

Research paper thumbnail of Fabrication and Measurement of Aluminum and Niobium Based Single-Electron Transistors and Charge Qubits

BETH:QUANTUM INFORM. 2ED O-BK, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Sub-Micron YBa2Cu3O7-x Biepitaxial Junctions

Research paper thumbnail of <title>Towards high-sensitivity and high-resolution submillimeter-wave video imaging</title>

Passive Millimeter-Wave Imaging Technology XIV, 2011

ABSTRACT Against a background of newly emerged security threats the well-established idea of util... more ABSTRACT Against a background of newly emerged security threats the well-established idea of utilizing submillimeter-wave radiation for personal security screening applications has recently evolved into a promising technology. Possible application scenarios demand sensitive, fast, flexible and high-quality imaging techniques. At present, best results are obtained by passive imaging using cryogenic microbolometers as radiation detectors. Building upon the concept of a passive submillimeter-wave stand-off video camera introduced previously, we present the evolution of this concept in a practical application-ready imaging device. This has been achieved using a variety of measures such as optimizing the detector parameters, improving the scanning mechanism, increasing the sampling speed, and enhancing the camera software. The image generation algorithm has been improved and an automatic sensor calibration technique has been implemented taking advantage of redundancy in the sensor data. The concept is based on a Cassegrain-type mirror optics, an opto-mechanical scanner providing spiraliform scanning traces, and an array of 20 superconducting transition-edge sensors (TES) operated at a temperature of 450-650 mK. The TES are cooled by a closed-cycle cooling system and read out by superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). The frequency band of operation centers around 350 GHz. The camera can operate at an object distance of 7-10 m. At 9m distance it covers a field of view of 110 cm diameter, achieves a spatial resolution of 2 cm and a pixel NETD (noise equivalent temperature difference) of 0.1-0.4 K. The maximum frame rate is 10 frames per second.

Research paper thumbnail of Development of passive submillimeter-wave video imaging systems for security applications

Millimetre Wave and Terahertz Sensors and Technology V, 2012

ABSTRACT Passive submillimeter-wave imaging is a concept that has been in the focus of interest a... more ABSTRACT Passive submillimeter-wave imaging is a concept that has been in the focus of interest as a promising technology for security applications for a number of years. It utilizes the unique optical properties of submillimeter waves and promises an alternative to millimeter-wave and X-ray backscattering portals for personal security screening in particular. Possible application scenarios demand sensitive, fast, and flexible high-quality imaging techniques. Considering the low radiometric contrast of indoor scenes in the submillimeter range, this objective calls for an extremely high detector sensitivity that can only be achieved using cooled detectors. Our approach to this task is a series of passive standoff video cameras for the 350 GHz band that represent an evolving concept and a continuous development since 2007. The cameras utilize arrays of superconducting transition-edge sensors (TES), i. e. cryogenic microbolometers, as radiation detectors. The TES are operated at temperatures below 1 K, cooled by a closed-cycle cooling system, and coupled to superconducting readout electronics. By this means, background limited photometry (BLIP) mode is achieved providing the maximum possible signal to noise ratio. At video rates, this leads to a pixel NETD well below 1K. The imaging system is completed by reflector optics based on free-form mirrors. For object distances of 3-10 m, a field of view up to 2m height and a diffraction-limited spatial resolution in the order of 1-2 cm is provided. Opto-mechanical scanning systems are part of the optical setup and capable frame rates up to 25 frames per second. Both spiraliform and linear scanning schemes have been developed. Several electronic and software components are used for system control, signal amplification, and data processing. Our objective is the design of an application-ready and user-friendly imaging system. For application in real world security screening scenarios, it can be extended using image processing and automated threat detection software.

Research paper thumbnail of DNA-based Molecular Nanotechnology

Single Molecules, 2002

... Csáki, A., Maubach, G., Born, D., Reichert, J. and Fritzsche, W. (2002), DNA-based Molecular ... more ... Csáki, A., Maubach, G., Born, D., Reichert, J. and Fritzsche, W. (2002), DNA-based Molecular Nanotechnology. ... Nucleic acids are of special interest due to their ability of self-organization, the achieved combinatorial information capacity and its molecular-biological processability ...

Research paper thumbnail of Herstellung und elektrische Charakterisierung von Anordnungen aus ultrakleinen metallischen Tunnelelementen: Abschlussbericht

SIGLEAvailable from TIB Hannover: F 01 B 551 a / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB -... more SIGLEAvailable from TIB Hannover: F 01 B 551 a / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekBundesministerium fuer Bildung und Forschung, Berlin (Germany)DEGerman

Research paper thumbnail of Präparation und Charakterisierung von Anordnungen aus ultrakleinen metallischen Tunnelelementen und Erprobung supraleitender Qubits

Die Erforschung der Dynamik der Elektronen in kleinen metallischen Strukturen ist nicht nur mit d... more Die Erforschung der Dynamik der Elektronen in kleinen metallischen Strukturen ist nicht nur mit dem Ziel der Miniaturisierung von Bauelementen und der damit möglichen Erhöhung von Integrationsdichte und Schaltfrequenzen verbunden. Von besonderem Interesse sind die neuen physikalischen Effekte, die durch verminderte Dimensionalität oder kleine Volumina in Erscheinung treten. Es zeigt sich, daß die aus dem Umgang mit sehr kleinen Objekten (Elementarteilchen, Atome, Moleküle) vertrauten Gesetze der Quantenmechanik eine wesentliche Rolle bei der Beschreibung der neuen Systeme spielen. Als Ergebnis wurden Möglichkeiten entwickelt, künstliche quantenmechanische Zwei-Niveau-Systeme auf Festkörperbasis makroskopisch zu realisieren. Solche quantum bits (Qubits) dienen als Grundbausteine eines künftigen Quantencomputers. Zur Untersuchung von Quanteneffekten in Anordnungen aus ultrakleinen metallischen Tunnelelementen wurde im Rahmen dieser Arbeit zunächst ein Meßplatz für Experimente bei sehr...

Research paper thumbnail of Photon counting of extreme ultraviolet high harmonics using a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector

Applied Physics B, 2022

Laser-driven light sources in the extreme ultraviolet range (EUV) enable nanoscopic imaging with ... more Laser-driven light sources in the extreme ultraviolet range (EUV) enable nanoscopic imaging with unique label-free elemental contrast. However, to fully exploit the unique properties of these new sources, novel detection schemes need to be developed. Here, we show in a proof-of-concept experiment that superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPD) can be utilized to enable photon counting of a laser-driven EUV source based on high harmonic generation (HHG). These detectors are dark-count free and accommodate very high count rates—a perfect match for high repetition rate HHG sources. In addition to the advantages of SNSPDs for classical imaging applications with laser-driven EUV sources, the ability to count single photons paves the way for very promising applications in quantum optics and quantum imaging with high energetic radiation like, e.g., quantum ghost imaging with nanoscale resolution.

Research paper thumbnail of EInfluss von Geometrie und Herstellungstechnologie auf das Zeitverhalten von SNSPD

Research paper thumbnail of DNA-Based Construction For Nanoelectronics

The application of biomolecules in nanostructure generation is an interesting alternative to tech... more The application of biomolecules in nanostructure generation is an interesting alternative to techniques in physical nanotechnology. Nucleic acids, and especially DNA, provides suitable chemical and physical properties to become an interesting object for molecular construction. The core principle of such DNA-based complexes is the self-organization of the DNA molecules. Synthetic short single-stranded DNA can be coupled to substrate surfaces, and the resulting thin films represent functional monolayers. Long DNA molecules provide the framework for nanoconstructions. The connections between these molecules and biologically functionalized planar or nanoparticular substrates is realized by self organization guided by the predefined complementarity and affinity of the utilized DNA. This coupling reaction can be controlled by simple parameters, such as temperature and pH. Based on this straightforward algorithm, a versatile bottom-up toolkit has been developed. Intermediate complexes are ...

Research paper thumbnail of Measuring the influence of Casimir energy on superconducting phase transitions: a cross-correlation data analysis

The ALADIN experiment aims at observing how the critical magnetic field of a superconducting Alum... more The ALADIN experiment aims at observing how the critical magnetic field of a superconducting Aluminum film is modified, when it constitutes one of the reflecting surfaces of a Casimir cavity. If successful, such an observation would reveal the influence of vacuum energy on the superconducting phase transition. In this paper a rigorous analysis of experimental data is reported, the results are discussed and compared with theoretical predictions based on Lifshitz theory of dispersion forces, and the BCS formula for the optical conductivity of superconductors. The main novelty with respect to a previous data analysis by some of the authors, is the use of a cross-correlation method which is more rigorous and leads to better estimates.

Research paper thumbnail of Little-Parks effect in single YBaCuO sub-micron rings

The properties of single submicron high-temperature superconductor (HTS) rings are investigated. ... more The properties of single submicron high-temperature superconductor (HTS) rings are investigated. The Little-Parks effect is observed and is accompanied by an anomalous behavior of the magnetic dependence of the resistance, which we ascribe to non-uniform vorticity (superfluid angular momentum) within the ring arms. This effect is linked to the peculiar HTS-relationship between the values of the coherence length and the London penetration depth.

Research paper thumbnail of Measuring the influence of Casimir energy on superconducting phase transitions: a cross-correlation data analysis

arXiv: High Energy Physics - Theory, 2012

The ALADIN experiment aims at observing how the critical magnetic field of a superconducting Alum... more The ALADIN experiment aims at observing how the critical magnetic field of a superconducting Aluminum film is modified, when it constitutes one of the reflecting surfaces of a Casimir cavity. If successful, such an observation would reveal the influence of vacuum energy on the superconducting phase transition. In this paper a rigorous analysis of experimental data is reported, the results are discussed and compared with theoretical predictions based on Lifshitz theory of dispersion forces, and the BCS formula for the optical conductivity of superconductors. The main novelty with respect to a previous data analysis by some of the authors, is the use of a cross-correlation method which is more rigorous and leads to better estimates.

Research paper thumbnail of The Aladin 2 experiment : status and perspectives

Aladin2 is an experiment devoted to the first measurement of variations of Casimir energy in a ri... more Aladin2 is an experiment devoted to the first measurement of variations of Casimir energy in a rigid cavity. The main scientific motivation relies on the possibility of the first demonstration of a phase transition influenced by vacuum fluctuations. The principle of the measurement, based on the behaviour of the critical field for an incavity superconducting film, will be only briefly recalled, being discussed in detail in a different paper of the same conference (G. Bimonte et al.). In this paper, after an introduction to the long term motivations, the experimental apparatus and the results of the first measurement of sensitivity will be presented in detail, particularly in comparison with the expected signal. Last, the most important steps towards the final measurement will be discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of Next generation of a sub-millimetre wave security camera utilising superconducting detectors

Journal of Instrumentation, 2013

ABSTRACT Based on the previously demonstrated concept of passive security screening utilising sup... more ABSTRACT Based on the previously demonstrated concept of passive security screening utilising superconducting detectors, a next generation camera was developed to meet application demands. The new system was designed to achieve background limited performance using a linear array of up to 128 transition edge sensors which are read in a time domain multiplexing scheme by SQUID current sensors. It will be able to record videos with 256 × 128 pixels at 25 Hz frame rate. The necessary cooling of the detector array is provided by a commercial pulse tube cooler and a second, self-contained cooling stage. For imaging, different optics modules adapted to a feed-horn detector coupling can be used in combination with a linear scanning apparatus for mirrors up to 40 cm.

Research paper thumbnail of Multi-Level Self Organization Process For A Parallel Fabrication Of Aligned Metal Structures In Microelectrode Gaps Using DNA And Metal Nanoparticles

AIP Conference Proceedings, 2004

ABSTRACT A fabrication scheme for the generation of metal nanostructures integrated in microelect... more ABSTRACT A fabrication scheme for the generation of metal nanostructures integrated in microelectrode gap arrays has been developed. The scheme uses self-organization of molecular units such as long DNA and metal nanoparticles based on specific interactions. Thereby, it is open for parallelization as a typical requirement for future application of this approach. The assembly process is explained and demonstrated, and the results of ultramicroscopic characterization is presented.

Research paper thumbnail of A Construction Scheme For A SET Device Based On Self-Assembly Of DNA And Nanoparticles

AIP Conference Proceedings, 2002

ABSTRACT The unique potential of molecular nanotechnology is based on the fabrication of material... more ABSTRACT The unique potential of molecular nanotechnology is based on the fabrication of materials and devices starting from molecular units. Comparable to and based on the synthetic approach in supramolecular chemistry or molecular biology, an extended toolbox of molecular units as well as tailored reactions is provided by these fields. On the other hand, the progress in synthesis of molecular structures is not directly transferable into technical applications, what is mainly due to a missing integration of the synthetic products into technological interfaces and environments. Self-organization as used by nature to create complex organisms appears to be a solution to this dilemma. We propose a scheme for the realization of a single electron-tunneling (SET) device based on this principle, and demonstrate the realization of various steps toward this aim, especially a technique for immobilizing exactly one DNA molecule in a microelectrode setup based on self-assembly.

Research paper thumbnail of Eck-Like Resonances in High-Tc Long Faceted Josephson Junctions

Ieee Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, 2009

By means of numerical simulations we study the dynamics of the phase difference in faceted long J... more By means of numerical simulations we study the dynamics of the phase difference in faceted long Josephson junctions. We compare our simulations with experiments on a sample of high quality high-Tc biepitaxial junctions. Adjusting junction length and dissipation to reproduce the observed data we found a significant agreement, which permits to identify the observed resonances mostly as Eck steps. Some

Research paper thumbnail of Sub-Micron YBa2Cu3O7-x Biepitaxial Junctions

Ieee Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Progress in passive submillimeter-wave video imaging

Passive and Active Millimeter-Wave Imaging XVII, 2014

ABSTRACT Since 2007 we are developing passive submillimeter-wave video cameras for personal secur... more ABSTRACT Since 2007 we are developing passive submillimeter-wave video cameras for personal security screening. In contradiction to established portal-based millimeter-wave scanning techniques, these are suitable for stand-off or stealth operation. The cameras operate in the 350GHz band and use arrays of superconducting transition-edge sensors (TES), reflector optics, and opto-mechanical scanners. Whereas the basic principle of these devices remains unchanged, there has been a continuous development of the technical details, as the detector array, the scanning scheme, and the readout, as well as system integration and performance. The latest prototype of this camera development features a linear array of 128 detectors and a linear scanner capable of 25Hz frame rate. Using different types of reflector optics, a field of view of 1×2m2 and a spatial resolution of 1–2 cm is provided at object distances of about 5–25m. We present the concept of this camera and give details on system design and performance. Demonstration videos show its capability for hidden threat detection and illustrate possible application scenarios.

Research paper thumbnail of Fabrication and Measurement of Aluminum and Niobium Based Single-Electron Transistors and Charge Qubits

BETH:QUANTUM INFORM. 2ED O-BK, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Sub-Micron YBa2Cu3O7-x Biepitaxial Junctions

Research paper thumbnail of <title>Towards high-sensitivity and high-resolution submillimeter-wave video imaging</title>

Passive Millimeter-Wave Imaging Technology XIV, 2011

ABSTRACT Against a background of newly emerged security threats the well-established idea of util... more ABSTRACT Against a background of newly emerged security threats the well-established idea of utilizing submillimeter-wave radiation for personal security screening applications has recently evolved into a promising technology. Possible application scenarios demand sensitive, fast, flexible and high-quality imaging techniques. At present, best results are obtained by passive imaging using cryogenic microbolometers as radiation detectors. Building upon the concept of a passive submillimeter-wave stand-off video camera introduced previously, we present the evolution of this concept in a practical application-ready imaging device. This has been achieved using a variety of measures such as optimizing the detector parameters, improving the scanning mechanism, increasing the sampling speed, and enhancing the camera software. The image generation algorithm has been improved and an automatic sensor calibration technique has been implemented taking advantage of redundancy in the sensor data. The concept is based on a Cassegrain-type mirror optics, an opto-mechanical scanner providing spiraliform scanning traces, and an array of 20 superconducting transition-edge sensors (TES) operated at a temperature of 450-650 mK. The TES are cooled by a closed-cycle cooling system and read out by superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). The frequency band of operation centers around 350 GHz. The camera can operate at an object distance of 7-10 m. At 9m distance it covers a field of view of 110 cm diameter, achieves a spatial resolution of 2 cm and a pixel NETD (noise equivalent temperature difference) of 0.1-0.4 K. The maximum frame rate is 10 frames per second.

Research paper thumbnail of Development of passive submillimeter-wave video imaging systems for security applications

Millimetre Wave and Terahertz Sensors and Technology V, 2012

ABSTRACT Passive submillimeter-wave imaging is a concept that has been in the focus of interest a... more ABSTRACT Passive submillimeter-wave imaging is a concept that has been in the focus of interest as a promising technology for security applications for a number of years. It utilizes the unique optical properties of submillimeter waves and promises an alternative to millimeter-wave and X-ray backscattering portals for personal security screening in particular. Possible application scenarios demand sensitive, fast, and flexible high-quality imaging techniques. Considering the low radiometric contrast of indoor scenes in the submillimeter range, this objective calls for an extremely high detector sensitivity that can only be achieved using cooled detectors. Our approach to this task is a series of passive standoff video cameras for the 350 GHz band that represent an evolving concept and a continuous development since 2007. The cameras utilize arrays of superconducting transition-edge sensors (TES), i. e. cryogenic microbolometers, as radiation detectors. The TES are operated at temperatures below 1 K, cooled by a closed-cycle cooling system, and coupled to superconducting readout electronics. By this means, background limited photometry (BLIP) mode is achieved providing the maximum possible signal to noise ratio. At video rates, this leads to a pixel NETD well below 1K. The imaging system is completed by reflector optics based on free-form mirrors. For object distances of 3-10 m, a field of view up to 2m height and a diffraction-limited spatial resolution in the order of 1-2 cm is provided. Opto-mechanical scanning systems are part of the optical setup and capable frame rates up to 25 frames per second. Both spiraliform and linear scanning schemes have been developed. Several electronic and software components are used for system control, signal amplification, and data processing. Our objective is the design of an application-ready and user-friendly imaging system. For application in real world security screening scenarios, it can be extended using image processing and automated threat detection software.

Research paper thumbnail of DNA-based Molecular Nanotechnology

Single Molecules, 2002

... Csáki, A., Maubach, G., Born, D., Reichert, J. and Fritzsche, W. (2002), DNA-based Molecular ... more ... Csáki, A., Maubach, G., Born, D., Reichert, J. and Fritzsche, W. (2002), DNA-based Molecular Nanotechnology. ... Nucleic acids are of special interest due to their ability of self-organization, the achieved combinatorial information capacity and its molecular-biological processability ...