Experiments using a superconducting point-contact harmonic mixer near 1 THz

Abstract

Experiments are described in which simple and relatively reliable point-contact Josephson junctions were used to generate and mix harmonics (up to the 50th) of microwave klystron frequencies with emissions from a hydrogen cyanide laser operating at 891 GHz. Data are presented illustrating the variation of the intermediate frequency signal with DC bias current through the junction and incident radiation power levels, and the results compared, where possible, with a simple qualitative theory of Josephson mixing. Details are also given of experiments in which such a mixer was used to phase-lock a klystron to the laser, enabling the laser frequency to be accurately and continuously monitored.