Optical measurements of TES bolometers for SAFARI

Michael D. Audley, Axel Detrain, Lorenza Ferrari, Jian Rong Gao, Darren Hayton, Gert De Lange, Philip Mauskopf, Dmitry Morozov, Manisha Ranjan Neil A Trappe, Willem Jan Vreeling

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

We have measured the optical response of detectors for SAFARI, the far-infrared imaging spectrometer for the SPICA satellite. SAFARI's three bolometer arrays, coupled with a Fourier transform spectrometer, will provide images of a 2′×2′ field of view with spectral information in three bands covering the wavelength range 34 - 210 μm. Each bolometer consists of a transition edge sensor (TES) with a transition temperature close to 100 mK and a resistive absorber on a thermally-isolated silicon nitride membrane. Each detector sits behind a concentrating horn and in front of a hemispherical backshort. SAFARI requires extremely sensitive detectors (NEP∼2×1019 W/√Hz) to take advantage of SPICA's cooled optics. To meet the challenge of testing such sensitive detectors we have constructed an ultra-low background test facility with a cryogen-free high-capacity dilution refrigerator, paying careful attention to stray-light exclusion. The SAFARI Detector System Test Facility provides a high degree of electrical, magnetic, and mechanical isolation for the detectors, allowing us to use a pulse-tube cooler to pre-cool the dilution refrigerator. We have verified the test facility's performance in terms of background power loading and carried out cross-calibrations with other test systems. The SAFARI Detector Test Facility is now being used for routine dark and optical measurements of ultra-sensitive TES bolometers. We report on optical measurements of prototype SAFARI detectors.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication23rd International Symposium on Space Terahertz Technology 2012, ISSTT 2012
Pages189-197
Number of pages9
StatePublished - Dec 1 2012
Event23rd International Symposium on Space Terahertz Technology 2012, ISSTT 2012 - Tokyo, Japan
Duration: Apr 2 2012Apr 4 2012

Publication series

Name23rd International Symposium on Space Terahertz Technology 2012, ISSTT 2012

Other

Other23rd International Symposium on Space Terahertz Technology 2012, ISSTT 2012
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityTokyo
Period4/2/124/4/12

Keywords

  • Bolometers
  • Calibration
  • Immunity testing
  • Infrared detectors
  • Superconducting devices

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Networks and Communications

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