MKID, an energy sensitive superconducting detector for the next generation of XAO

TL;DR

This paper explores the integration of Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKID) into pyramid wavefront sensors for adaptive optics, aiming to enhance performance by leveraging energy sensitivity and broader wavelength coverage.

Contribution

It introduces a simulation framework for multi-wavelength PWFS and demonstrates potential improvements using MKID technology for better AO system capabilities.

Findings

MKID enables photon energy measurement, improving wavefront sensing.

Widening the bandpass allows use of fainter guide stars.

Energy sensitivity enhances AO performance across wavelengths.

Abstract

Selected for the next generation of adaptive optics (AO) systems, the pyramid wavefront sensor (PWFS) is recognised for its closed AO loop performance. As new technologies are emerging, it is necessary to explore new methods to improve it. Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKID) are photon-counting devices that measure the arrival time and energy of each incident photon, providing new capabilities over existing detectors and significant AO performance benefits. After developing a multi-wavelength PWFS simulation, we study the benefits of using an energy sensitive detector, analyse the PWFS performance according to wavelength and explore the possibility of using fainter natural guide stars by widening the bandpass of the wavefront sensor.