Space applications of superconductivity: microwave and infrared detectors

✍ Scribed by C.A. Hamilton

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1980
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 943 KB
• Volume: 20
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0011-2275
• DOI: 10.1016/0011-2275(80)90046-6

✦ Synopsis

This is the fifth of a seven part series on the potential applications of superconductivity in space. The potential of superconducting microwave and infrared detectors for space applications is reviewed. The devices considered include bolometers, super-Schottky diodes and Josephson junctions operating as oscillators, mixers, and parametric amplifiers. In each case the description includes the physical mechanism, theoretical limits and the current state-of-the,aFt for the superconducting device as wall as its nonsuperconducting competitors.

Space applications of superconductivi microwave and infrared detectors C. A. Hamilton

Microwave and infrared detectors and receivers are widely used in space applications. These applications include ground-based communication and radioastronomy receivers as well as satellite receivers. Mapping of background radiation, for example, is an important application requiring the ultimate in receiver sensitivity. The success of a proposed programme to search for signals from extraterrestrial life may well depend on the sensitivity of the receivers used. In all of these cases, improved sensitivity yields benefits by making possible greater data transmission rates, reduced observing time or smaller antennas.