Terahertz Detector Development (D03)

• Subject Area: Astrophysics and Astronomy
• Term: from 2011 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 184018867

We develop very sensitive superconducting detectors for astronomy: Superconductor Insulator Superconductor (SIS) tunnel junctions, superconducting Hot Electron Bolometers (HEB) and Microwave Kinetic Inductor Detectors (MKID). SIS and HEB are developed for balanced and side band separating mixers for very high resolution THz heterodyne spectroscopy. MKIDs will be part of a camera, reaching background limited sensitivity for ground-based operation. The complex on-chip circuits are fabricated in house on ultra-thin silicon substrates and integrated into precision-housing, made in our in-house workshop. Detectors will be applied in receivers for the CCAT prime telescope and for the SOFIA observatory.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 956: Conditions and Impact of Star Formation - Astrophysics, Instrumentation and Laboratory Research
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Head: Dr. Netty Honingh