Netty Honingh

Dr. Netty Honingh leads the Superconducting Terahertz Devices research group at the University of Cologne, developing ultra-sensitive superconducting detectors for frequencies from 200 GHz to 30 THz. Her work primarily serves astronomical applications through instruments like GREAT and upGREAT for the SOFIA airborne observatory, with significant contributions to heterodyne receiver technology for terahertz astronomy.

Her research focuses on advancing Hot Electron Bolometer (HEB) mixer technology, with particular expertise in waveguide-coupled systems for frequencies above 1 THz where traditional SIS mixers become ineffective. Key research areas include:

• Development of multi-pixel focal plane arrays (upGREAT LFA at 1.9 THz and HFA at 4.7 THz)
• Materials science for improved HEB performance (NbN on GaN substrates, MgB$$2$$ thin films)
• Integrated RF circuitry for balanced mixer configurations
• Microfabrication techniques for nanometer-scale superconducting structures
• Device physics of electron-phonon interactions in superconducting microbridges

Analysis of her publication record reveals a consistent focus on pushing the boundaries of terahertz detector technology, with particular emphasis on improving noise performance, bandwidth, and array integration for astronomical applications. Her work bridges fundamental superconducting physics with practical engineering solutions for space and airborne observatories.

Her research has been recognized with the 2018 THz Science and Tech. Best Paper Award from the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society. Funding for her work comes primarily through the Collaborative Research Centre 956 (sub-project D3) funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and the German Space Agency (DLR).

The group maintains comprehensive in-house capabilities including microfabrication facilities, test laboratories, and fine mechanics workshops, enabling end-to-end development from wafer to complete detector systems. Current research directions include development of 10.7 THz mixers for para-H$$2$$ molecule observation and advanced materials systems to approach the quantum limit of detector performance.