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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
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Characterization of SiN Integrated Optical Phased Arrays on a Wafer-Scale Test Station
Published on: April 1, 2020
Electrical and optical measurements on the first SCUBA-2 prototype 1280 pixel submillimeter superconducting bolometer
Adam L Woodcraft1, Peter A R Ade, Dan Bintley
1Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University, Queen's Buildings, The Parade, Cardiff CF24 3AA, United Kingdom.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|June 21, 2007
Summary
SCUBA-2, a novel submillimeter camera, utilizes transition edge sensor (TES) detectors for unprecedented sensitivity. Initial tests of its prototype subarray confirm operational status and noise performance meeting SCUBA-2 requirements.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Instrument Development
- Detector Physics
Background:
- The James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) requires advanced instrumentation for submillimeter observations.
- Existing submillimeter cameras lack the sensitivity and mapping speed for next-generation astronomical surveys.
- Transition Edge Sensor (TES) detectors offer high sensitivity but require complex readout systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the first test results of a prototype subarray for the SCUBA-2 instrument.
- To demonstrate the operational status and performance of TES detectors with an in-focal plane multiplexed readout.
- To validate the noise equivalent power (NEP) against SCUBA-2 requirements.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication and testing of a 1280-pixel SCUBA-2 subarray utilizing Mo/Cu bilayer TES detectors.
- Implementation of an in-focal plane multiplexing scheme for efficient readout.
- Electrical and optical characterization, including noise measurements, at approximately 120 mK.
- Description of the custom testbed apparatus.
Main Results:
- The prototype SCUBA-2 subarray is fully operational, confirmed by electrical and optical characterization.
- Noise equivalent power (NEP) measurements for several pixels were below 2.5 x 10(-17) W Hz(-0.5).
- The achieved NEP meets the stringent requirements for the full SCUBA-2 instrument.
Conclusions:
- The tested SCUBA-2 subarray prototype demonstrates successful integration of TES detectors and multiplexed readout.
- The performance metrics, particularly NEP, indicate SCUBA-2 will revolutionize submillimeter imaging.
- Further development and integration of the eight subarrays will lead to a powerful new astronomical instrument.
