Nanoscale radio-frequency thermometry

We experimentally demonstrate the high bandwidth readout of a thermometer based on a superconductor-insulator-normal metal (SIN) tunnel junction, embedded in a rf resonant circuit. Our implementation enables basic studies of the thermodynamics of mesoscopic nanostructures. It can also be applied to the development of fast calorimeters, as well as ultrasensitive bolometers for the detection of far-infrared radiation. We discuss the operational details of this device, and estimate the ultimate temperature sensitivity and measurement bandwidth. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.