The KISS experiment

TL;DR

The KISS experiment is a ground-based spectrum-imager designed to map millimetre continuum emission and characterize galaxy clusters via the Sunyaev Zeldovich effect, using advanced KID arrays and Fourier Transform interferometry.

Contribution

This paper introduces the KISS instrument, a novel wide-frequency, large-field-of-view spectrum-imager based on KID arrays and Fourier Transform interferometry for astrophysical observations.

Findings

KISS successfully covers 80-300 GHz frequency range.

The instrument has a 1-degree field of view.

Initial commissioning results demonstrate its capabilities.

Abstract

Mapping millimetre continuum emission has become a key issue in modern multi-wavelength astrophysics. In particular, spectrum-imaging at low frequency resolution is an asset for characterizing the clusters of galaxies via the Sunyaev Zeldovich (SZ) effect. In this context, we have built a ground-based spectrum-imager named KIDs Interferometer Spectrum Survey (KISS). This instrument is based on two 316-pixel arrays of Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KID) cooled to 150 mK by a custom dilution refrigerator-based cryostat. By using Ti-Al and Al absorbers, we can cover a wide frequency range between 80 and 300 GHz. In order to preserve a large instantaneous Field of View (FoV) 1 degree the spectrometer is based on a Fourier Transform interferometer. This represents a technological challenge due to the fast scanning speed that is needed to overcome the effects of background atmospheric fluctuations. KISS is installed at the QUIJOTE 2.25 m telescope in Tenerife since February 2019 and is currently in its commissioning phase. In this proceeding we present an overview of the instrument and the latest results.