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Characterizing a Resonator Bolometer Array

Citation

Wernis, Rebecca Ann (2013) Characterizing a Resonator Bolometer Array. Senior thesis (Major), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/XPSC-WR14. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:05312013-022124797

Abstract

High-background applications such as climate monitoring, biology and security applications demand a large dynamic range. Under such conditions ultra-high sensitivity is not required. The resonator bolometer is a novel detector which is well-suited for these conditions. This device takes advantage of the high-density frequency multiplexing capabilities of superconducting microresonators while allowing for the use of high-Tc superconductors in fabrication, which enables a modest (1-4 K) operating temperature and larger dynamic range than is possible with conventional microresonators. The moderate operating temperature and intrinsic multiplexability of this device reduce cost and allow for large pixel counts, making the resonator bolometer especially suitable for the aforementioned applications. A single pixel consists of a superconducting microresonator whose light-absorbing area is placed on a thermally isolated island. Here we present experimental results and theoretical calculations for a prototype resonator bolometer array. Intrinsic device noise and noise equivalent power (NEP) under both dark and illuminated conditions are presented. Under dark conditions the device sensitivity is limited by the thermal noise fluctuations from the bolometer legs. Under the experimental illuminated conditions the device was photon noise limited.

Item Type:Thesis (Senior thesis (Major))
Subject Keywords:superconducting microresonator; microresonator; low temperature detector; bolometer; kinetic inductance detector; frequency multiplexing; noise equivalent power; photon noise; submillimeter; far-infrared; microwave
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy
Major Option:Physics
Awards:Library Friends Senior Thesis Prize Finalist, 2013. D. S. Kothari Prize in Physics, 2013.
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Zmuidzinas, Jonas
Group:Astronomy Department, Senior Undergraduate Thesis Prize
Thesis Committee:
  • Stone, Edward C. (chair)
  • Adhikari, Rana
  • Filippone, Bradley W.
  • Frautschi, Steven C.
  • Libbrecht, Kenneth George
  • Politzer, Hugh David
  • Tombrello, Thomas A.
Defense Date:14 May 2013
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:05312013-022124797
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:05312013-022124797
DOI:10.7907/XPSC-WR14
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:7786
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Rebecca Wernis
Deposited On:03 Jun 2013 20:01
Last Modified:02 Aug 2022 21:46

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