Abstract
The galaxy evolution probe (GEP) is a concept for a probe-class space observatory to study the physical processes related to star formation over cosmic time. To do so, the mid- and far-infrared (IR) spectra of galaxies must be studied. These mid- and far-IR observations require large multi-frequency arrays, sensitive detectors. Our goal is to develop low NEP aluminum kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs) for wavelengths of 10–400 {upmu }{{hbox {m}}} for the GEP and a pathfinder long-duration balloon (GEP-B) that will perform precursor GEP science. KIDs for the lower wavelength range (10–100 {upmu }{{hbox {m}}}) have not been previously implemented. We present an absorber design for KIDs sensitive to wavelengths of 10 {upmu }{{hbox {m}}} shown to have around 75–80% absorption efficiency through ANSYS HFSS (high-frequency structure simulator) simulations, challenges that come with optimizing our design to increase the wavelength range, initial tests on our design of fabricated 10 {upmu }{{hbox {m}}} KIDs, and theoretical NEP calculations.
Highlights
Observations of the mid- and far-infrared spectra of galaxies are a necessary means to explore the origins of galaxies, stars, and planets that make up the universe
We will present ANSYS HFSS1 software suite simulations of kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs) absorber designs capable of absorbing at 10 μm and greater, preliminary measurements of the critical temperature of a fabricated test device and evidence of two-level system (TLS) noise, and theoretical NEP
Since we have not yet done optical testing, we provide a theoretical NEP calculation for galaxy evolution probe (GEP) that takes into account the measured TLS noise and estimated Tc and from
Summary
Observations of the mid- and far-infrared spectra of galaxies are a necessary means to explore the origins of galaxies, stars, and planets that make up the universe From these spectra, the correlations of star-formation rates with other physical properties. The galaxy evolution probe (GEP) is a concept for a probe-class space observatory, with the goal to detect galaxies in these mid- and far-IR regions by utilizing large arrays of back-illuminated, lumped-element, microlens-coupled, sensitive aluminum kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs). We will present ANSYS HFSS1 (high-frequency structure simulator) software suite simulations of KID absorber designs capable of absorbing at 10 μm and greater, preliminary measurements of the critical temperature of a fabricated test device and evidence of two-level system (TLS) noise, and theoretical NEP calculations for GEP
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