Quantum Detection

We present the concept and experimental set-up of a passive submillimeter-wave stand-off imaging device for security applications. Our ambition is the design of an application-ready and user-friendly camera providing high sensitivity and high spatial resolution at video frame rates. The current prototype achieves a frame rate of 10 frames per second and a spatial resolution below 2 cm at 8.5 m distance. It is based on a Cassegrain-type reflector, an opto-mechanical scanner, an array of 20 superconducting transition-edge sensors (TES) operated at a temperature of 450‒650 mK, and a closed-cycle cryogen-free cooling system.