Terahertz Heterodyne Array Receivers for Astronomy

Graf, U. U.; Honingh, C. E.; Jacobs, K.; Stützki, J.

doi:10.1007/s10762-015-0171-7

Cited by 52 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 93 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…For high resolution spectroscopy at frequencies above 1 THz, the technology of choice for the detectors is based on hot electron bolometers (HEB) superconducting mixers (Shurakov et al 2016) and therefore, the instrument needs to be cooled to temperatures well below 6 K. Until now, such heterodyne receivers incorporated only up to a few mixers (e.g., Graf et al 2015). Therefore, integrating 14 such mixers for the upGREAT/LFA receiver represents a considerable technological challenge and a major step forward.…”

Section: Instrument Hardwarementioning

confidence: 99%

The upGREAT 1.9 THz multi-pixel high resolution spectrometer for the SOFIA Observatory

Risacher¹,

Güsten²,

Stutzki³

et al. 2016

A&A

106

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

We present a new multi-pixel high resolution (R > ∼ 10 7 ) spectrometer for the Stratospheric Observatory for Far-Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). The receiver uses 2 × 7-pixel subarrays in orthogonal polarization, each in an hexagonal array around a central pixel. We present the first results for this new instrument after commissioning campaigns in May and December 2015 and after science observations performed in May 2016. The receiver is designed to ultimately cover the full 1.8−2.5 THz frequency range but in its first implementation, the observing range was limited to observations of the [CII] line at 1.9 THz in 2015 and extended to 1.83−2.07 THz in 2016. The instrument sensitivities are state-of-the-art and the first scientific observations performed shortly after the commissioning confirm that the time efficiency for large scale imaging is improved by more than an order of magnitude as compared to single pixel receivers. An example of large scale mapping around the Horsehead Nebula is presented here illustrating this improvement. The array has been added to SOFIA's instrument suite already for ongoing observing cycle 4.

show abstract

Section: Instrument Hardwarementioning

confidence: 99%

The upGREAT 1.9 THz multi-pixel high resolution spectrometer for the SOFIA Observatory

Risacher¹,

Güsten²,

Stutzki³

et al. 2016

A&A

106

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…It also holds spectral signatures of ions, atoms, and molecules that are necessary for understanding of the composition and origin of the Solar System, the evolution of matter in our Galaxy, and the star formation history of galaxies over cosmic timescales. The utility of these lines, their examples of the science they deliver, and the detail properties of successful low-resolution direct detection spectrometers for work in the THz regime have been reviewed by a number of researchers [55,56]. [54].…”

Section: Communication Remote Sensing and Astronomymentioning

confidence: 99%

Terahertz (THz) Spectroscopy: A Cutting‐Edge Technology

Ghann¹,

Uddin²

2017

Terahertz Spectroscopy - A Cutting Edge Technology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

“…8) is based on diplexers to allow using local oscillators with limited output power, which is the case for frequencies above 1.9 THz, where LO sources are scarce and limited. A description of this type of optical design for array receivers using a pair of Gaussian telescope and diplexers can be found in [8,12].…”

Section: ) Lfa Coupling Opticsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For high resolution spectroscopy using heterodyne receivers, only recently did the detector sensitivities start approaching their fundamental noise limit up to very high frequencies [5][6] and the next step is now to increase the receiver pixels count in order to gain observing efficiency when observing extended sources. The review papers [7][8] summarize the current status of multi-pixel heterodyne array receivers for the sub-mm, far-infrared region and present general design considerations. Until now, only small sized arrays have been realized in a handful of observatories for frequencies between 0.3-0.8 THz (e.g.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

First Supra-THz Heterodyne Array Receivers for Astronomy With the SOFIA Observatory

Risacher

Güsten

Stützki³

et al. 2016

IEEE Trans. THz Sci. Technol.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Abstract-We present the upGREAT THz heterodyne arrays for far-infrared astronomy. The Low Frequency Array (LFA) is designed to cover the 1.9-2.5 THz range using 2x7-pixel waveguide-based HEB mixer arrays in a dual polarization configuration. The High Frequency Array (HFA) will perform observations of the [OI] line at ~4.745 THz using a 7-pixel waveguide-based HEB mixer array. This paper describes the common design for both arrays, cooled to 4.5 K using closedcycle pulse tube technology. We then show the laboratory and telescope characterization of the first array with its 14 pixels (LFA), which culminated in the successful commissioning in May 2015 aboard the SOFIA airborne observatory observing the [CII] fine structure transition at 1.905 THz. This is the first successful demonstration of astronomical observations with a heterodyne focal plane array above 1 THz and is also the first time highpower closed-cycle coolers for temperatures below 4.5 K are operated on an airborne platform.

show abstract

Terahertz Heterodyne Array Receivers for Astronomy

Cited by 52 publications

References 93 publications

The upGREAT 1.9 THz multi-pixel high resolution spectrometer for the SOFIA Observatory

The upGREAT 1.9 THz multi-pixel high resolution spectrometer for the SOFIA Observatory

Terahertz (THz) Spectroscopy: A Cutting‐Edge Technology

First Supra-THz Heterodyne Array Receivers for Astronomy With the SOFIA Observatory

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About