Measurements of the optical performance of prototype TES bolometers for SAFARI

Audley, M.D., de Lange, G., Ranjan, M., Gao, J.-R., Khosropanah, P., Ridder, M.L., Mauskopf, P.D., Morozov, D. , Doherty, S. and Trappe, N. (2014) Measurements of the optical performance of prototype TES bolometers for SAFARI. Journal of Low Temperature Physics, 176(5-6), pp. 755-760. (doi: 10.1007/s10909-013-0984-5)

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Abstract

We have measured the optical response of prototype 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 over the wavelength range 34–210 μm. Each horn-coupled bolometer consists of a transition edge sensor (TES), with a transition temperature close to 100 mK, and a thin-film Ta absorber on a thermally-isolated silicon nitride membrane. SAFARI requires extremely sensitive detectors (NEP∼2×10−19 W/ Hz−−−√Hz ), with correspondingly low saturation powers (∼5 fW), 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 based on a cryogen-free high-capacity dilution refrigerator, paying careful attention to stray-light exclusion, shielding, and vibration isolation. For optical measurements the system contains internal cold (3–30 K) and hot (∼300 K) black-body calibration sources, as well as a light pipe for external illumination. We discuss our measurements of high optical efficiency in prototype SAFARI detectors and describe recent improvements to the test facility that will enable us to test the full SAFARI focal-plane arrays.

Item Type:Articles (Other)
Keywords:TES
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Morozov, Dr Dmitry
Authors: Audley, M.D., de Lange, G., Ranjan, M., Gao, J.-R., Khosropanah, P., Ridder, M.L., Mauskopf, P.D., Morozov, D., Doherty, S., and Trappe, N.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
Journal Name:Journal of Low Temperature Physics
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:0022-2291
ISSN (Online):1573-7357
Published Online:26 November 2013

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