Characterization and Fabrication of the TES Arrays for the Spider, Keck and BICEP2 CMB Polarimeters
Creators
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1.
Jet Propulsion Lab
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2.
California Institute of Technology
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3.
Princeton University
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4.
Harvard University
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5.
Stanford University
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6.
Cardiff University
Abstract
Spider, the Keck Array, and BICEP2 are projects to study the polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). All three use large format arrays of antenna-coupled, membrane-isolated, transition edge sensors (TES's). Although similar, each project requires its own set of device parameters, such as thermal conductance, time constants, and normal state resistances. We have perfected a fabrication process that achieves two primary objectives: (1) high device yields of 95% or greater, and (2) very low spreads in devices parameters. Currently our arrays are taking science data at the South Pole in both the BICEP2 and Keck array telescopes. The focal planes for Spider, a high altitude balloon mission, are on schedule for a 2012 deployment. An overview of fabrication and development is given as well as a snapshot of scientific data.
Additional Information
© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media. Received: 17 July 2011. Accepted: 10 January 2012. Published online: 3 February 2012. The research described in this publication was in part carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with National Aeronautics and Space Administration.Additional details
Identifiers
- Eprint ID
- 31248
- Resolver ID
- CaltechAUTHORS:20120501-100739165
Funding
- NASA/JPL/Caltech
Dates
- Created
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2012-05-01Created from EPrint's datestamp field
- Updated
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2021-11-09Created from EPrint's last_modified field
Caltech Custom Metadata
- Caltech groups
- Physics Department