Bolocam              Z-Spec              SPIRE             Cal-Tech Submillimeter Observatory         MKID         CCAT

The Microwave Kinetic Inductance (MKID) camera can observe the "cooler" areas of space, such as high Z-shift galaxies,
interstellar dust that would previously obscure images, and early forming galaxies. It captures these in four wavelengths
at 750 microns, 850 microns,1.1 mm and 1.3 mm, yielding a 144 multiplexed readout (100s-1000s of individual images
at once).

MKIDs  are superconducting resonant circuits used for detecting radiation.  Light that hits the MKID detector will change the impedance of the resonant circuit, and thus slightly change the resonant frequency. The biggest upside of using MKIDs is the ease of multiplexability, meaning that many different frequencies and resonances may be reviewed at one time.

The MKID has had a significant impact on the limits of technological capability in submillimeter observation already
with its relatively simple coaxial wiring system for multiplexed imaging, limited only by available bandwidth. It has been
tested and will replace Bolocam at the CSO, and is a possible prototype for the CCAT.

 

 


MKID Multiplexability

The biggest upside of using MKIDs is the ease of multiplexablitliy.  Because each detector is just a resonant circuit, we can tune each one to have a slightly different resonant frequency.

Right: Absorbed photons break Cooper pairs in superconducting film which shifts resonant frequency and reduces quality factor; detect by measuring amplitude.

MKID Camera Specifications:

•576 4-color pixels
•Pulse-tube cooler + 250 mK three-stage He sorption fridge
•Simple, compact, on-axis optics
•Software-Defined Radio readout electronics
•Modified Bolocam data pipeline