MAKO: a pathfinder instrument for on-sky demonstration of low-cost 350 micron imaging arrays

TL;DR

This paper presents MAKO, a low-cost, scalable 350 micron imaging array using superconducting microresonator detectors, aiming to enable large-scale submillimeter observations with high multiplexing density and simplified fabrication.

Contribution

Development of a novel, cost-effective, high-density multiplexed superconducting detector array for submillimeter imaging at 350 microns.

Findings

Progress in fabricating scalable microresonator arrays

Achieved high multiplexing density in prototype detectors

Focused on reducing per-pixel cost and simplifying fabrication

Abstract

Submillimeter cameras now have up to $10^4$ pixels (SCUBA 2). The proposed CCAT 25-meter submillimeter telescope will feature a 1 degree field-of-view. Populating the focal plane at 350 microns would require more than $10^6$ photon-noise limited pixels. To ultimately achieve this scaling, simple detectors and high-density multiplexing are essential. We are addressing this long-term challenge through the development of frequency-multiplexed superconducting microresonator detector arrays. These arrays use lumped-element, direct-absorption resonators patterned from titanium nitride films. We will discuss our progress toward constructing a scalable 350 micron pathfinder instrument focusing on fabrication simplicity, multiplexing density, and ultimately a low per-pixel cost.