Research on the adaptability of space environment about NbN superconducting SIS mixer for high sensitivity terahertz detection module; [高灵敏度太赫兹探测模块氮化铌超导 SIS 混频器空间环境适应性研究]

The high sensitivity terahertz detection module（HSTDM）is one of the scientific instruments of the China Sky Survey Telescope. HSTDM is a high-resolution spectrometer and the first space heterodyne receiver using niobium nitride（NbN）-based superconducting tunnel junction（Superconductor - Insulator - Superconductor （SIS））mixer（the NbN SIS mixer）. The NbN SIS mixer must meet the specification requested for a space environment，such as high operation reliability，robustness to vibration，cosmic irradiation，and thermal variation. This paper presents the space qualification tests performed on the NbN SIS mixer，including sine and random vibration tests，single-particle irradiation test，total dose radiation test，and thermal cycling test. The mixer’s performance analysis confirms that it can meet the space application requirements of HSTDM. © 2023 Chinese Optical Society. All rights reserved.