High-temperature superconductor based mid-infrared detector

We demonstrated high-temperature based superconducting microwire detectors for mid-infrared applications, based on YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δYBCO. We have used a hard oxide, Al₂O₃, as a mask material to achieve the microwires in meander geometry. We have achieved the photoresponse of microwire to radiation in the mid-infrared spectrum at wavelengths 3.25 and 4.25 μm, at temperatures nearly ten times higher than those of existing low-temperature superconducting detectors. We showed a clear correlation between the photoresponse magnitude and the critical parameters of the superconductor, showcasing peak optical responses near the critical temperature and bias current density. Furthermore, our comprehensive electrical transport measurements conducted at various temperatures align closely with our optical response data. The demonstrated performance and versatility of these detectors underscore their potential for a wide array of applications spanning environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, space exploration, and spectroscopic studies.