Planar-Antenna-coupled Superconducting Bolometer Arrays for Submillimeter and Millimeter Astrophysics

University Of California-Berkeley, Berkeley CA

Investigators

Abstract

AST-0352992 -- Richards, Caltech Planar-antenna-coupled superconducting bolometer systems for observations at submillimeter and millimeter wavelengths will be developed. Antenna-coupled arrays have the potential to greatly increase the efficiency of observations, opening the door to new science objectives. The objectives are to fully characterize the prototype antenna-coupled bolometer design; design and test wide-band dual-polarization antennas; develop an RF "channelizer" that splits the signal from a single antenna into multiple bands; and develop RF switches using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems techniques for polarization, phase, and load switches. The bolometer development may have impact in x-ray calorimeters, UV-IR spectrometers, and THz concealed weapons detection systems.