A Vacuum Waveguide Filter Bank Spectrometer for Far-Infrared Astrophysics

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Spectroscopy
• Engineering

Background:

• Traditional far-infrared (FIR) spectroscopy relies on bulky dispersive optics.
• Existing integrated filter bank spectrometers face signal loss issues at terahertz frequencies due to superconducting transmission line networks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel on-chip spectrometer architecture for extending the operational range of FIR spectroscopy.
• To address the limitations of current technologies in compact spectrometer design for higher frequencies.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a filter bank spectrometer utilizing vacuum waveguides etched into a silicon wafer stack.
• Integration of a single trunk line feeding an array of resonant cavities.
• Coupling of resonant cavities to kinetic inductance detectors fabricated on an adjacent wafer.

Main Results:

• Successful design and fabrication of a prototype on-chip spectrometer.
• Initial testing of the prototype at ambient temperature.
• Demonstration of a novel architecture for FIR spectroscopy.

Conclusions:

• The developed on-chip spectrometer architecture shows promise for compact and efficient FIR spectroscopy.
• The vacuum waveguide and kinetic inductance detector approach offers a viable solution for terahertz frequency applications.
• Further development is expected to enhance performance and expand applications.