Hierarchical Phased-Array Antennas Coupled to Al KIDs: A Scalable Architecture for Multi-band...

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Electrical Engineering
• Astronomy Instrumentation

Background:

• Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KIDs) are crucial for sensitive astronomical observations at millimeter/submillimeter wavelengths.
• Phased-array antennas offer advanced beamforming capabilities for enhanced signal reception.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optically characterize novel two-scale hierarchical phased-array antenna KIDs.
• To evaluate detector performance across four frequency bands (125-365 GHz).

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of lumped-element KIDs with parallel plate capacitors and aluminum inductors.
• Utilizing a hierarchical phased array of slot dipole antennas for light reception.
• Employing Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FTS) for spectral response, infrared source for beam pattern, and temperature loads for optical efficiency measurements.

Main Results:

• Detailed optical characterization of the KIDs' spectral response, far-field beam pattern, and optical efficiency.
• Demonstration of a two-scale hierarchical phased-array antenna design for KIDs.
• Successful operation and characterization across the 125-365 GHz frequency range.

Conclusions:

• The presented KIDs with hierarchical phased-array antennas are suitable for millimeter/submillimeter astronomical applications.
• The optical characterization validates the design and performance of these advanced detectors.
• This work contributes to the development of next-generation sensitive detectors for cosmology and astrophysics.