Next generation of a sub-millimetre wave security camera utilising superconducting detectors

Based on the previously demonstrated concept of passive security screening utilising superconducting detectors, a next generation camera was developed to meet application demands. The new system was designed to achieve background limited performance using a linear array of up to 128 transition edge sensors which are read in a time domain multiplexing scheme by SQUID current sensors. It will be able to record videos with 256 × 128 pixels at 25 Hz frame rate. The necessary cooling of the detector array is provided by a commercial pulse tube cooler and a second, self-contained cooling stage. For imaging, different optics modules adapted to a feed-horn detector coupling can be used in combination with a linear scanning apparatus for mirrors up to 40 cm.