Cryogenically-Cooled, Microwave Bolometer based on Carbon Nanotube Thin Films

POSTER

Abstract

We have used a carbon nanotube (CNT) thin film fashioned in a Corbino disc test structure to realize a cryogenically-cooled, microwave bolometer. We characterized the noise equivalent power (NEP) down to liquid nitrogen temperatures ($\sim$77 K). The detection mechanism relies on the microwave-power-sensitive resistivity of the CNT thin film. Using lock-in detection, room-temperature experiments (performed with 915 MHz test signals) showed power detection over the range of -45 dBm to 0 dBm--with 0 dBm being limited by the maximum level attainable from available equipment. A sensitivity of 0.36 mV/mW and an NEP of (3.41$\pm$0.96)$\times$10${}^{-7}$ W/$\sqrt{Hz}$ was achieved with a slightly-cooled device held at a constant temperature of 15${}^\circ$C. Lowering the base temperature of the device resulted in a greater dynamic range--due to the lower NEP. To demonstrate the possibility of using the Corbino effect as a means of tuning impedance matching for optimal performance, cryogenically-cooled magnetoresistance measurements were performed in the presence of a magnetic field (applied normal to the surface of the device) ranging from 0 to 3 T.

Authors

  • Michael Gasper

    University of Akron

  • Ryan Toonen

    University of Akron

  • Brian Knauf

    Electro-Optics Graduate Program, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio 45469, Bowling Green State University, Washington State University, Nuclear Radiation Center, Washington State University, Electro-Optics Program, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, Department of Physics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, Nano-C, Inc., U. S. Army Research Laboratory, Professor, TA, None

  • Brian Knauf

    Electro-Optics Graduate Program, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio 45469, Bowling Green State University, Washington State University, Nuclear Radiation Center, Washington State University, Electro-Optics Program, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, Department of Physics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, Nano-C, Inc., U. S. Army Research Laboratory, Professor, TA, None

  • Brian Knauf

    Electro-Optics Graduate Program, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio 45469, Bowling Green State University, Washington State University, Nuclear Radiation Center, Washington State University, Electro-Optics Program, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, Department of Physics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, Nano-C, Inc., U. S. Army Research Laboratory, Professor, TA, None

  • Brian Knauf

    Electro-Optics Graduate Program, University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio 45469, Bowling Green State University, Washington State University, Nuclear Radiation Center, Washington State University, Electro-Optics Program, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, Department of Physics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, Nano-C, Inc., U. S. Army Research Laboratory, Professor, TA, None