The feasibility of developing and characterizing a highly sensitive infrared detector, beyond 1 micron wavelength region, using a high Tc superconducting Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O material will be examined. The detection principal is based on the fact that incident infrared radiation produces a voltage shift across the Josephson junction, which can serve as a useful detector output. Superconducting weak link type Josephson junctions will be fabricated and tested as a useful detector. Bulk superconductor samples of Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O will be prepared by solid state reaction method. Subsequently, superconducting thin film of 3-5 micron thickness will be deposited on a suitable substrate (MgO) by laser induced deposition technique. A major advantage of the proposed technique is that due to excellent spatial quality and short wavelength of the laser, it provides a precise control over the deposition process with submicron resolution. To form a weak link, a part of the substrate surface will be ground down (or etched by laser) to form a groove of about 5 micron deep prior to the deposition.
