Superconducting quantum detectors

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Proposed concepts for the Line Emission Terahertz Observatory (LETO) Band 1 array receiver

Authors:

Boon Kok Tan, Jee-Ho Kim, Andrey Baryshev, Faouzi Boussaha, Peter Roelfsema, Dimitra Rigopoulou

Abstract:

The Line Emission Terahertz Observatory (LETO) is a candidate European Space Agency (ESA) M8 mission designed to investigate the interstellar medium, star formation, and the evolution of galaxies through velocity-resolved spectroscopy of key far-infrared emission lines. To meet the demanding sensitivity, spectral-resolution, and mapping-speed requirements of the mission, LETO will employ multi-pixel heterodyne receiver arrays operating across four frequency bands between 0.45 and 5.5 THz.

This paper presents proposed concepts for the LETO Band 1 array receiver, which targets the frequency range below 1 THz using superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) mixer technology. A wideband SIS mixer design covering the baseline 450–650 GHz frequency range is described. The design builds upon proven receiver technologies developed for astronomical instruments, thereby reducing technical risk while maintaining near quantum-limited sensitivity.

Two complementary array architectures are investigated. The first employs a conventional single-polarisation mixer configuration that can be reconfigured to support either single- or dual-polarisation observations. The second is based on a fourprobe dual-polarisation mixer concept that eliminates mechanically reconfigurable optical components while providing flexible observing modes. Several operational configurations are presented, demonstrating how the proposed architecture can balance sensitivity, mapping speed, and spacecraft resource constraints. These concepts form the basis for future development of the LETO Band 1 receiver should the mission progress to subsequent study phases.
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Quantum Detection for Millimetre and Sub-Millimetre Astronomy

Abstract:

Oxford Physics Colloquium

Quantum Sensors for the Hidden Sector (QSHS) - A Summary of Our First Year!

Authors:

Ian Bailey, Bhaswati Chakraborty, Gemma Chapman, Ed Daw, Ling Hao, Edward Hardy, Edward Laird, Peter Leek, John Gallop, Gianluca Gregori, John March-Russell, Phil Meeson, Clem Mostyn, Yuri Pashkin, Searbhan O Peatain, Mitch Perry, Michele Piscitelli, Edward Romans, Subir Sarkar, Ningqiang Song, Mahesh Soni, Paul Smith, Boon-Kok Tan, Stephen West, Stafford Withington
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Signal coupler

Silicon-on-insulator membrane SIS mixers for Africa millimeter telescope Band 6+7 operation

Authors:

Jee-Ho Kim, Faouzi Boussaha, Christine Chaumont, Michele Piscitelli, Josiane Firminy, Etienne Eustache, Fabrice Stoppani, Andrey Baryshev, Boon Kok Tan

Abstract:

We present the design, simulation, fabrication, and initial characterization efforts toward a broadband superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) mixer covering ALMA Bands 6 and 7 (211–373 GHz) on a single chip. The mixer employs a twin-junction SIS architecture integrated on a 10 µm-thick silicon-on-insulator (SOI) membrane substrate and is intended as a building block for future sideband-separating and dual-polarization receivers. To support the fabrication of these devices, front-side SIS circuit processing, SOI membrane release techniques, and gold beam-lead integration have been developed and refined. Initial device-release trials have successfully produced mixer chips with intact membranes and beam leads, while experimental setup for cryogenic mixer characterization has also been completed.
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