CCAT: Design and initial measurements of densely packed, high-frequency, dual-polarization kinetic inductance detectors for the Prime-Cam 850 GHz module

Prime-Cam is a first-generation instrument designed for the Fred Young Submillimeter Telescope (FYST) in the Cerro Chajnantor Atacama Telescope (CCAT) Facility. Among the instrument modules being developed for the Prime-Cam receiver, the highest frequency 850 GHz module presents unique challenges in optical design, coupling, detection, and readout. The 850 GHz module will incorporate approximately 45,000 polarization-sensitive, lumped-element microwave kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs), which will represent the most KIDs on sky in a single instrument to date. We present the critical aspects of the detector design and discuss solutions to the challenges of efficient optical coupling and a multi-octave readout band. Specifically, the designs will include a feature which reduces the inductance across a portion of the detectors by shorting pairs of inductor lines to allow the KIDs to be tuned across four distinct bands across the readout range, all with minimal impact to the responsivity of the detector. Thus, the resonators will be coarsely tuned via the inductance shorts, and finely tuned by etching away small portions of the interdigital capacitors. We further present a comparison between simulations and preliminary results of thermal responsivity. The results of this work will directly inform the design of microwave KIDs for the multi-octave readout architecture as part of the development of densely packed arrays for the Prime-Cam instrument.

Duke Scholars

Author Eve M Vavagiakis Physics