Abstract

We present a novel concept for a highly sensitive, medium spectral resolution optical through near-IR spectrograph. KIDSpec, the Kinetic Inductance Detector Spectrograph, uses the intrinsic energy resolving capability of an array of optical/IR-sensitive MKIDs to distinguish multiple orders from a low line-density (echelle) grating. MKID arrays have a wide bandpass (0.1-2.5um) and good quantum efficiency, making them strong candidates for replacing CCDs in many astronomical instruments. By acting as an ‘order resolver’, the MKID array replaces the cross-disperser in an echelle spectrograph. This greatly simplifies the optical layout of the spectrograph and enables longer slits than are possible with cross-dispersed instruments. KIDSpec would have similar capabilities to ESO’s X-shooter instrument. It would provide an R=4000-10,000 spectrum covering the entire optical and near-IR spectral range. In addition to a ‘long-slit’ mode, the IFU would provide a small (~50 spaxel) field-of-view for spatially resolved sources. In addition, the photon-counting operation of MKIDs and their photon-energy resolving ability enable a read-noise free spectrum with perfect cosmic ray removal. The spectral resolution would be sufficient to remove the bright night-sky lines without the additional pixel noise, making the instrument more sensitive than an equivalent semiconductor-based instrument. KIDSpec would enhance many existing high-profile science cases, including transient (GRB, SNe, etc.) follow-up, redshift determination of faint objects and transit spectroscopy of exoplanets. In addition it will enable unique science cases, such as dynamical mass estimates of the compact objects in ultra-compact binaries.

Highlights

  • Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs) are a novel superconducting detector technology that promise to revolutionize many areas of astronomy

  • We focus on another unique application, which is the use of the moderate native energy resolution of MKIDs to distinguish the orders of a dispersive element, such as a grating

  • As this paper will focus on the application of MKID arrays rather than their development, we have chosen to use an energy resolution that we believe is achievable on a timescale of 5–10 years

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs) are a novel superconducting detector technology that promise to revolutionize many areas of astronomy. The current arrays are already more than an order of magnitude larger than the largest equivalent UVOIR TES [1] or STJ [2] arrays. These capabilities enable a broad range of unique science opportunities, including high-throughput integral field spectroscopy, hugely multiplexed (> 100,000) lowspectral-resolution spectroscopic surveys (Giga-Z, [3]) and dark-speckle exoplanet direct imaging [4]. We focus on another unique application, which is the use of the moderate native energy resolution of MKIDs to distinguish the orders of a dispersive element, such as a grating This concept was initially presented by [5]) for the case of STJs, but here we present the application to MKIDs, showing the current possibilities and the range of possibilities for the near future

KID Operating Principal
Status of the Technology
KIDSpec
KIDSpec Spectral Format
Single MKID Array
Dual‐arm MKID Array
Dynamical Masses of Black Hole X‐ray Binaries
Faint Source Spectroscopy
Summary
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call