Imaging With Modular Linear Arrays Of Cryogenic Nb Microbolometers

We present ultrawideband imagery obtained with modular, 8-element, superconducting Nb microbolometer arrays. Conically scanned images are presented and compared with raster-scanned images obtained on the same arrays and from similar NbN arrays at VTT. Statistical data on detector non-uniformity, and methods for mitigating and compensating it are described. Low-noise readout is accomplished with room-temperature electronics using the transimpedance scheme of Pentilla et al. Characterization of spatial resolution, noise-equivalent temperature difference, and spectral response is done using metrology tools - standard targets, mm-wave blackbodies, and variable filters - that have been developed at NIST for this purpose.