Research on the adaptability of space environment about NbN superconducting SIS mixer for high sensitivity terahertz detection module

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 us? ing 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 envi? ronment, 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 vi? bration tests, single-particle irradiation test, total dose radiation test, and thermal cycling test. The mixer's per? formance analysis confirms that it can meet the space application requirements of HSTDM.