FFTS readout for large arrays of Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a Fast Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FFTS) readout for large arrays of Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs), achieving high multiplexing without noise degradation, thus advancing scalable, sensitive sub-mm imaging technology.

Contribution

It introduces and experimentally validates the use of FFTS readout for MKID arrays, enabling high multiplexing with maintained noise performance.

Findings

No noise deterioration with FFTS readout compared to analog mixing

High multiplexing ratios achieved for MKID arrays

Feasibility demonstrated for large-scale sub-mm imaging applications

Abstract

Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs) have great potential for large very sensitive detector arrays for use in, for example, sub-mm imaging. Being intrinsically readout in the frequency domain, they are particularly suited for frequency domain multiplexing allowing $\sim$1000s of devices to be readout with one pair of coaxial cables. However, this moves the complexity of the detector from the cryogenics to the warm electronics. We present here the concept and experimental demonstration of the use of Fast Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FFTS) readout, showing no deterioration of the noise performance compared to low noise analog mixing while allowing high multiplexing ratios.