Composite dye/superconductor sensors which can discriminate different wavelengths of light in the visible and near- infrared regions have been fabricated. By lithographically patterning 1500 angstroms thick films of the superconductor YBa2Cu3O7-δ on MgO substrates, arrays of microbridges have been created. A layer of dye dispersed in a polymeric matrix is deposited on top of each bridge to create the wavelength selective light absorbing element. Each meandering path bridge is approximately 20 μm wide and approximately 10 mm long. The device functions in a different manner to traditional semiconductor-based light sensing technologies in which a dye structure serves the role of a filtering agent. Here, the response of the hybrid dye/superconductor element is amplitude at wavelengths strongly absorbed by the dye laser. Such devices represent the initial steps towards a larger structure capable of simultaneously sensing wavelength bands from the visible through to the infrared. In addition to dye sensitization method, another approach to adding wavelength selectivity to detectors is described here in which interference effects in micromachined microbolometers are exploited.
A strategy for increasing the wavelength selectivity and responsivity of hybrid dye/superconductor optical sensors is described. Here, reflective 'mirror layers' deposited on the top surface of YBa2Cu3O7-(delta ) thin film devices are used to enhance the optical performance characteristics of such hybrid sensors. Quantification of the wavelength-selectivity for such detector structures is detailed for both dye/high-Tc superconductor and dye/mirror-layer/high-Tc superconductor systems. Optical response studies of the structures suggest that the inclusion of the mirror layer serves to enhance the wavelength-selectivity of the detector. Consequently, only the on-resonance signals captured by the dye layer are effectively sensed by the superconductor element. Measurements of the spectral response properties of the mirror layer-modified hybrid detectors show that energy transfer between the dye and superconducting elements is not diminished by the presence of this reflective layer.
High temperature superconductors provide enhanced sensitivity capabilities as chemical/biological agent detectors. State-of-the-art advances in ruggedizing superconducting platforms make them much more robust for field applications. In addition, microminiaturization and advances in refrigeration have enabled the systems engineering of portable, durable, survivable, low power requirement devices. This presentation describes a prototype system employing YBCO (yttrium barium copper oxide) superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDS) with specific biolayer detection dye coatings. These devices may be deployed as specific stand-off detectors, or potentially reconfigured as point sensors. A library of pattern recognition algorithms provides the reference template for the system. The human-system interface will provide a 'yes/no' agent confirmation for the environment being queried, and associated confidence value. This prototype detection system has great potential for deployment in support of hostage rescue/rapid response teams, DMAT, and urban search and rescue. The preparation and characterization of a new generation of optical sensors fabricated from high-temperature superconductor (HTSC) thin films is reported herein. These new hybrid devices are fashioned using HTSC thin films which are coated with organic dye overlayers. These systems are shown to respond selectively to those wavelengths which are absorbed strongly by the molecular dye. Methods for fabricating the superconductor element and depositing the dye layer are discussed. Moreover, resistivity versus temperature measurements before and after dye deposition are utilized to characterize these hybrid structures. The unique optical response properties of these hybrid sensors are also detailed.
The preparation and characterization of a new generation of optical sensors fabricated from high-temperature superconductor (HTSC) thin films is reported herein. These new hybrid devices are fashioned using HTSC thin films which are coated with organic dye overlayers. These systems are shown to respond selectively to those wavelengths which are absorbed strongly by the molecular dye. Methods for fabricating the superconductor element and depositing the dye layer are discussed. Moreover, resistivity versus temperature measurements before and after dye deposition are utilized to characterize these hybrid structures. The unique optical response properties of these hybrid sensors are also detailed.
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