Radiation detection at submillimetre wavelengths

Techniques and devices for the detection and sensing of radiation in the wavelength range from about 1 mm to 2 μm are reviewed. Most attention is given to the developments of the past few years, but an attempt is also made to cover the field comprehensively. Brief accounts are given of the characterisation of detection devices, and the general properties of receiver systems, particularly those of the video and heterodyne types. The performance of practical detector devices is then reviewed, most falling into the broad groups of thermal (including 3He and 4He-cooled bolometers), rectifying or photoconductive types. Brief descriptions are given of imaging devices and the present status of heterodyne systems. A steady improvement in the performance of both the newer and the well established devices is reported, but the author points out the need for more accurate calibration of detector performance so that more useful comparisons may be made. (author)