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Silicon nitride Micromesh Bolometer Array for Submillimeter Astrophysics
Applied Optics
|March 28, 2008
Summary
This study details a new feedhorn-coupled bolometer array for sensitive astronomical cameras. The array achieves near-theoretical noise performance, crucial for future space-based telescopes.
Area of Science:
- Astrophysics and Instrumentation
- Detector Physics
Background:
- Sensitive photometer cameras are essential for astronomical observations.
- Bolometer arrays require low noise and high efficiency for optimal performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and characterize a feedhorn-coupled bolometer array for a 350-micrometer photometer camera.
- To evaluate the noise performance and optical efficiency of the developed bolometer array.
Main Methods:
- Utilized silicon nitride micromesh absorbers and neutron-transmutation-doped germanium thermistors.
- Employed indium bump bonds for thermistor attachment and vapor-deposited electrical leads.
- Measured dark noise-equivalent power, heat capacity, and optical efficiency using blackbody calibration sources.
Main Results:
- Achieved a dark noise-equivalent power of 2.9 x 10^-17 W/√Hz and a mean heat capacity of 1.3 pJ/K at 390 mK.
- Measured optical efficiency between 0.45-0.65.
- Demonstrated theoretical noise performance with photon noise dominance, a total-to-photon noise ratio of 1.21, and negligible excess noise.
Conclusions:
- The bolometer array meets the sensitivity requirements for photon noise-limited performance.
- Feedhorn coupling enhances detector performance for spaceborne applications.
- Micromesh bolometers offer promising performance limits for future astronomical instruments.
