A kilo-pixel imaging system for future space based far-infrared observatories using microwave kinetic inductance detectors

Abstract

Aims. Future astrophysics and cosmic microwave background space missions operating in the far-infrared to millimetre part of the spectrum will require very large arrays of ultra-sensitive detectors in combination with high multiplexing factors and efficient lownoise and low-power readout systems. We have developed a demonstrator system suitable for such applications. Methods. The system combines a 961 pixel imaging array based upon Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs) with a readout system capable of reading out all pixels simultaneously with only one readout cable pair and a single cryogenic amplifier. We evaluate, in a representative environment, the system performance in terms of sensitivity, dynamic range, optical efficiency, cosmic ray rejection, pixel-pixel crosstalk and overall yield at an observation centre frequency of 850 GHz and 20% fractional bandwidth. Results. The overall system has an excellent sensitivity, with an average detector sensitivity NEP det = 3 × 10 −19 W/ √ Hz measured using a thermal calibration source. At a loading power per pixel of 50 fW we demonstrate white, photon noise limited detector noise down to 300 mHz. The dynamic range would allow the detection of ∼1 Jy bright sources within the field of view without tuning the readout of the detectors. The expected dead time due to cosmic ray interactions, when operated in an L2 or a similar far-Earth orbit, is found to be <4%. Additionally, the achieved pixel yield is 83% and the crosstalk between the pixels is <−30 dB. Conclusions. This demonstrates that MKID technology can provide multiplexing ratios on the order of a 1000 with state-of-the-art single pixel performance, and that the technology is now mature enough to be considered for future space based observatories and experiments.

Full characterisation of a background limited antenna coupled KID over an octave of bandwidth for THz radiation

“…In order to do so, they will require a large number of pixels to cover the telescope field of view or to sample a given frequency band with a high resolution. Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KIDs) are superconducting pair-breaking resonators 3 that are a very attractive choice for these applications since thousands of detectors can be readout with a single coaxial feed line, [3][4][5] enabling simple and cost-effective systems.…”

“…Such sensitivities and photon noise performance are achieved with antenna coupled aluminium (Al) KIDs over a broad band 9 around 1.5 THz with poor beam quality and over a narrow band around 850 GHz. 5,11 In this paper, we extend KID technology to higher frequencies and large bandwidths using a leaky lens antenna coupled device.…”

42-oji Lietuvos nacionalinė fizikos konferencija: programa ir pranešimų tezės

“…However, the complexity of this technology spurred us to find a much simpler solution, the frequency-multiplexed kinetic inductance detector [18,19] (Fig. 2), which is now being developed in over a dozen countries for deployment on large telescopes, from millimeter to optical wavelengths [20], and for use in future space missions [21]. the Herschel Space Observatory [13].…”

“…Trijų kūnų sistemoms gaunami neredukuotiniai atvaizdai yra charakterizuojami Jungo schema [1 3 ] (atitinka pilnai antisimetrinį poerdvį), bei [21] (atitinka dalinės antisimetrijos neredukuotinį poerdvį). Pasirinkus pilnai antisimetrinius poerdvius trijų kūnų klasteriuose galimos Jungo schemos šešiems kūnams yra [1 6 ], [21 4 …”

“…During the sonication process, the alcohol was exchanged by epoxy resin (Buehler EpoThin Resin) and, after complete evaporation of alcohol, a curing agent was added. Dielectric properties were investigated in wide frequency (20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30) and temperature (300 -400 K) ranges, piezoelectric properties were studied by an automatic computer-controlled pulse-echo method [3].…”