| Abstract |
Bolometers are simple and robust incoherent continuum detectors which nevertheless can reach sensitivities close to the fundamental noise limit. This thesis describes the theory, design, fabrication and testing of the superconducting bolometers, developed in collaboration between the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy (MPIfR), Bonn and the Institute for Photonic Technology (IPHT), Jena, Germany. The voltage biased superconducting bolometer (VSB) offers various advantages over the traditional semiconducting bolometer; it is faster, more sensitive, has a higher dynamic range, allows complete microlithographic fabrication and can be multiplexed with Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs). The low noise SQUID amplifiers operate at bolometer temperatures and have very low power dissipation. The low impedance characteristics of VSBs and SQUIDs makes them less sensitive to microphonic pickup and it is possible to achieve very low noise equivalent power (NEP) levels. The fabrication of bolometers with integrated SQUIDs and the multiplexing electronics will allow the production of bolometer arrays with several hundred or more pixels. more... |
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