Thermal Kinetic Inductance Detector (TKIDs) Camera: A Pathfinder mm-Wave Polarimeter

Author: Minutolo, Lorenzo

Year: 2024

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: Bock, James J.

Committee Members: Golwala, Sunil; Bock, James J.; O'Brient, Roger; Chen, Yanbei

Option: Physics

DOI: 10.7907/pmh8-gy97

Abstract

Thermal kinetic inductance detectors (TKIDs) are novel, superconductive, frequency-multiplexed bolometric detectors that promise the same noise performance as traditional transition-edge superconducting bolometers, but with ease of scalability to large array formats. This research starts with TKIDs being in the early stage of development. Readout hardware and strategies were developed to characterize the first batches of devices, still in the chips form containing a few detectors. The success of the TKIDs chips lead to a more in-depth exploration of the detector physics and the possibility to scale from chips containing tens of detectors to tiles counting hundreds. Novel characterization techniques were developed to deal with the testing of the arrays in a laboratory environment. Finally, the characterization of a science grade tile is detailed.

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