Frequency-Domain Multiplexing Readout with a Self-Trigger System for Pulse Signals from Kinetic Inductance Detectors

Area of Science:

• Superconducting detector technology
• Microwave frequency electronics
• Particle detection instrumentation

Background:

• Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KIDs) utilize superconducting resonators for sensitive energy detection.
• Traditional readout systems face bandwidth limitations with fast pulse signals from KIDs.
• Efficient data acquisition is crucial for applications involving short time-constant signals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an advanced frequency-domain multiplexing readout system for KIDs.
• To implement a self-triggering mechanism for efficient pulse signal extraction.
• To reduce the overall data rate for high-sampling-rate applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an array of superconducting resonators with distinct resonant frequencies for frequency-domain multiplexing.
• Employed a microwave-frequency comb for simultaneous readout of multiple channels via a single wire.
• Integrated a self-trigger system on a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) board to manage data flow.
• Tested the system using alpha particle irradiation from Americium-241 on aluminum KIDs fabricated on a silicon substrate.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated simultaneous readout of pulse signals from 15 individual KID resonators.
• Achieved an event rate of approximately 10 Hz, indicating efficient data processing.
• The self-trigger system effectively reduced the data rate, overcoming bandwidth limitations.
• Verified the system's capability to detect and process pulse signals from energy deposition events.

Conclusions:

• The developed KID readout system with a self-trigger is effective for handling fast pulse signals.
• This technology offers a solution for high data rate challenges in sensitive detector applications.
• The system enables efficient, multi-channel readout, advancing superconducting detector instrumentation.