Semiconducting Y-Ba-Cu-O Uncooled Detectors: Feasibility of THz Pyroelectric Sensing

We have previously reported how semiconducting and amorphous Y-Ba-Cu-O (a-YBCO) can perform fast and sensitive infrared pyroelectric detection. We recall first these performances for planar and trilayer a- YBCO structures. We then consider migration to THz sensing by using a planar antenna. To minimize the antenna to device impedance mismatch, a- YBCO THz conductivity was measured. The conductivity, obtained by parallel plate waveguide time-domain spectroscopy, is 50 to 150 S/m (0.2 to 1.2 THz range). Antenna structures are suggested for both planar and trilayer devices.