A kilo-pixel imaging system for future space based far-infrared observatories using microwave kinetic inductance detectors
J.J.A. Baselmans (SRON–Netherlands Institute for Space Research, TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
J. Bueno (SRON–Netherlands Institute for Space Research)
S.J.C. Yates (SRON–Netherlands Institute for Space Research)
O. Yurduseven (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
N. Llombart (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
K. Karatsu (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
A.M. Baryshev (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, SRON–Netherlands Institute for Space Research)
L Ferrarini (External organisation)
A. Endo (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, TU Delft - Applied Sciences, Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft)
D.J. Thoen (TU Delft - Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science)
P.J. de Visser (SRON–Netherlands Institute for Space Research)
R.M.J. Janssen (Universiteit Leiden, Kavli institute of nanoscience Delft, TU Delft - QN/Gao Lab)
V. Murugesan (SRON–Netherlands Institute for Space Research)
E.F.C. Driessen (Institut de Radioastronomie Millimétrique (IRAM))
G. Coiffard (Institut de Radioastronomie Millimétrique (IRAM))
J. Martin-Pintado (Centro de Astrobiología - CSIC)
P. Hargrave (Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy)
M. Griffin (Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy)
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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 low-noise 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 (NEPdet) =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.