Superconducting Heterodyne Detectors beyond 1 Terahertz

Abstract
Superconducting heterodyne mixers have found widespread use throughout the Millimeter- and Sub-millimeter wavelength range in radio astronomy applications that need very high spectral resolution. To extend their operating range into the Terahertz region, which is opened up by new high altitude observatories, airborne platforms or satellites, requires further development of superconductor materials as well as progress in radio frequency (RF) design and detector fabrication. This paper summarizes the basic challenges in these areas.