Terahertz high-sensitivity SIS mixer based on Nb–AlN–NbN hybrid superconducting tunnel junctions

The terahertz band,a unique segment of the electromagnetic spectrum,is crucial for observing the cold,dark universe and plays a pivotal role in cutting-edge scientific research,including the study of cosmic environments that support life and imaging black holes.High-sensitivity superconductor–insulator–superconductor(SIS)mixers are essential detectors for terahertz astronomical telescopes and interferometric arrays.Compared to the commonly used classical Nb/AlO_(x)/Nb superconducting tunnel junction,the Nb/AlN/NbN hybrid superconducting tunnel junction has a higher energy gap voltage and can achieve a higher critical current density.This makes it particularly promising for the development of ultra-wideband,high-sensitivity coherent detectors or mixers in various scientific research fields.In this paper,we present a superconducting SIS mixer based on Nb/AlN/NbN parallel-connected twin junctions(PCTJ),which has a bandwidth extending up to490 GHz–720 GHz.The best achieved double-sideband(DSB)noise temperature(sensitivity)is below three times the quantum noise level.

Composition formula of Al-TMs high-entropy alloys derived by cluster-plus-glue-atoms model and its experimental verification

High-entropy alloys(HEAs)are based on solid solutions which characterized by chemical short-range ordering(CSRO),but there is no accurate structural tool to address CSRO characteristic,which obstacles precise composition design for HEAs.In this study,based on the cluster-plus-glue-atoms model,the composition law of Al-TMs(TMs,transition metals)HEAs with BCC and FCC structures was revealed.In BCC structure,with five elements in equi-atomic ratio,the composition formula of Al-TMs HEAs can be expressed by a cluster formula[Al-M_(14)]Al_(3),and in non equi-atomic ratio can be expressed by[Al-M_(14)]Al,where M is the average atom of the TMs.But in FCC structure,both Al-TMs HEAs with five elements in equiatomic and non equi-atomic ratios can be expressed by a cluster formula[Al-M_(12)]Al.To confirm the effectiveness of cluster formula for Al-TMs,two alloys were designed,[Al-Ti_(4)V_(3)Nb_(4)Mo_(3)]Mo and[Al-Ti_(3)V_(3)Nb_(4)Mo_(4)]Al.Results show that the[Al-Ti_(3)V_(3)Nb_(4)Mo_(4)]Al alloy has both higher strength and higher plastic deformation at room temperature.Besides,[Al-Ti_(3)V_(3)Nb_(4)Mo_(4)]Al alloy shows slower soften effect at 800℃,contributed to its higher strength.By substituting Ta for some of Mo,the strength of[Al-Ti_(3)V_(3)Nb_(4)Mo_(3)Ta]Al at room temperature and high temperature drastically decreases,suggesting that Ta element deteriorates the properties of Al-TMs alloys.