Frequency division multiplexing readout of a transition edge sensor bolometer array with microstrip-type electrical bias lines

We demonstrate multiplexed readout of 43 transition edge sensor (TES) bolometers operating at 90 mK using a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) readout chain with bias frequencies ranging from 1 to 3.5 MHz and a typical frequency spacing of 32 kHz. We improve the previously reported performance of our FDM system by two important steps....

Noise Measurements of a Low-Noise Amplifier in the FDM Readout System for SAFARI

The SPICA-SAFARI instrument requires extremely sensitive transition edge sensor (TES) arrays with a noise equivalent power of 2×10-19W/Hz and a readout system with an output noise that is dominated by the detector noise. It is essential to ensure the frequency domain multiplexing (FDM) readout system in SAFARI meets the noise requirement. The...

81 supra-THz beams generated by a Fourier grating and a quantum cascade laser

Large heterodyne receiver arrays (~100 pixel) allow astronomical instrumentations to map more area within limited space mission lifetime. One challenge is to generate multiple local oscillator (LO) beams. Here, we succeeded in generating 81 beams at 3.86 THz by combining a reflective, metallic Fourier grating with an unidirectional antenna...

The challenge of parameter uncertainty: Finding parameter distributions from hydrological field data for conceptual rainfall-runoff models

Conceptual hydrological model parameters represent characteristics of a catchment. They are an integration of spatial heterogeneous parts of the system. Finding adequate parameter values based on field observations, which represents the heterogeneity of a catchment on the spatial resolution and scale of the model, is considered challenging since...

Safety assessment in ports

The optimum routeing of pipes in a ship’s engine room