Scientific equipment for the space experiment “Sun-Terahertz”: methods for increasing the frequency selectivity of detectors

The future space experiment «Sun-Terahertz» is aimed at studying the Sun in the unexplored terahertz range, obtaining new data on the terahertz radiation of the Sun, solar active regions and solar fl ares. The scientific equipment being developed is a set of eight detectors sensitive to radiation of various frequencies in the range 0.4–12.0 THz. In this paper, we consider the expected spectral characteristics of scientific equipment and briefl y describe the method of their experimental verification by installing an additional cutoff filter. Two methods for increasing the frequency selectivity of detectors are considered. To assess the sensitivity of the detectors, an experiment was conducted to measure solar radiation using a single-channel model, which is a complete analogue of the detector of scientific equipment with the ability to replace bandpass terahertz filters. Also, a two-axis rotating platform and a cloud sensor were made for the single-channel model. Based on the results of the experimental verification, conclusions were made about the sensitivity of the detectors of scientific equipment and the possibility of improving the characteristics in terms of frequency selectivity. This article may be useful to experimenters involved in spectrometric scientific devices based on optoacoustic converters (Golay cell) and other sensitive elements.