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A Nb hot-electron bolometer designed for operation as a sensor of millimeter waves and far-infrared radiation has been analyzed. This optically coupled detector has a very wide spectral bandwidth, a response speed of ∼1 ns determined by electron-phonon scattering, and an impedance of 50 Ω. The geometry employed here has traditionally been affected by stability problems manifesting as random voltage fluctuations, which have hindered the usefulness of these bolometers. This issue has been addressed by exploring the underlying physical causes and adapting the fabrication technique. Analytical results on substrate-induced bolometric effects are summarized and other factors concerning detector performance addressed, and the reality of an isothermal regime of operation is questioned. A noise equivalent power of 4 pW/Hz[sup 1/2] was measured at 100 μm, with a coupling efficiency close to unity that was achieved by reducing the optical reflection losses. Operation of a similar device is shown able to resolve the macropulses of FELIX, the Free-Electron Laser for Infrared eXperiments, into its 40 ns spaced micropulses. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the monitoring of the stresses present in palladium- and nickel-silicide thin films during deposition and subsequent annealing processes using the absorption-edge-contour mapping technique employing synchrotron radiation. Details on the experiment; Illustration of the fabrication chamber; Discussion on the origins of film stresses and the changes of stress magnitudes.

Presents a study which monitored the growth of the palladium[sub2]silicon thin films on silicon substrates using an in situ x-ray diffraction technique in vacuum and in helium atmosphere. Experimental details; Results and discussion; Conclusions.