Colored scanning electron microscope image showing a superconducting "hot electron bolometer" (HEB) for detection of terahertz radiation. The superconducting niobiumnitride nano-bridge is shown at the center which connects to the on-chip (partly shown) gold spiral antenna via additional contact pads. The strip covering the bridge is a left-over from the processing.

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.