Kinetic Inductance Detectors and Metal-Mesh Filters for Far-Infrared Astronomy

Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation

Citations

Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/6108vc769

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the development and characterization of superconducting detectors, known as kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs), for mid- to far-infrared (IR) observatories. KIDs are a form of cryogenic superconducting detector that are easy to multiplex into large arrays and offer equal or better sensitivity than other cryogenic detectors. They can detect a range of wavelengths and are very popular in submillimeter (submm) and millimeter (mm) astronomy. I will present work on three different KID prototype arrays for the proposed observatories The Balloon Experiment for Galactic INfrared Science (BEGINS), The Galaxy Evolution Probe (GEP), and The PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics (PRIMA). I will discuss their dark and optical performance and sensitivities. I will also present the design and characterization of a prototype mid- to far-IR linear variable filter (LVF), which will define the bandpasses of the detectors for the lower wavelength ranges of BEGINS and PRIMA. LVFs are filters with bandpasses that vary linearly along one direction. This work is necessary to increase the technology readiness of lens-coupled KIDs and LVFs that enable compact instruments for space-based observatories.

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