Development of dual-polarization LEKIDs for CMB observations [IMA]

http://arxiv.org/abs/1607.03448


We discuss the design considerations and initial measurements from arrays of dual-polarization, lumped element kinetic inductance detectors (LEKIDs) nominally designed for cosmic microwave background (CMB) studies. The detectors are horn-coupled, and each array element contains two single-polarization LEKIDs, which are made from thin-film aluminum and optimized for a single spectral band centered on 150 GHz. We are developing two array architectures, one based on 160 micron thick silicon wafers and the other based on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers with a 30 micron thick device layer. The 20-element test arrays (40 LEKIDs) are characterized with both a linearly-polarized electronic millimeter wave source and a thermal source. We present initial measurements including the noise spectra, noise-equivalent temperature, and responsivity. We discuss future testing and further design optimizations to be implemented.

Read this paper on arXiv…

H. McCarrick, M. Abitbol, P. Ade, et. al.
Wed, 13 Jul 16
35/74

Comments: 7 pages, 5 figures, Proc. SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation 2016, Paper 9914-24