应用于太赫兹天文探测的微波动态电感探测器研究进展

Research progress of microwave kinetic inductance detector for terahertz astronomical detection

  • 摘要: 太赫兹波是介于微波和远红外区域之间的毫米/亚毫米波,波长从3 mm到30 μm。自宇宙开始以来发射的所有可探测光子中,98%落在太赫兹和远红外区域,其中许多光子来自宇宙微波背景辐射,其他重要的发射来自大量的受激分子,这些分子在太赫兹范围内具有明亮的光谱发射特征。基于太赫兹的天文观测技术在天体物理和宇宙学的研究中扮演着愈加重要的作用,对星际原子、分子和尘埃的太赫兹观测可以洞察宇宙星际介质的内部条件,并提供对恒星、行星、星系和宇宙本身起源和演化的独特观察窗口。近年来,许多大型天文望远镜不断部署基于微波动态电感探测器(MKID)的太赫兹探测器,MKID成为了太赫兹天文探测领域重要的技术手段。主要阐述MKID的基础原理和应用在太赫兹探测领域的研究进展,通过MKID在多个太赫兹天文探测项目的应用总结,厘清MKID 探测器的工作原理和架构,梳理MKID取得的突破,并对其发展进行展望。

     

    Abstract: Terahertz waves, spanning the millimeter and submillimeter wavelength ranges between the microwave and far-infrared regions (approximately 3 mm to 30 μm), represent a critical spectral range in astrophysical and cosmological research. Of the photons detectable since the beginning of the universe, approximately 98% fall within the terahertz and far-infrared bands. A significant proportion of these photons originate from the cosmic microwave background radiation, while others arise from excited molecules that exhibit bright spectral emissions in the terahertz range. As a result, terahertz-based astronomical observation techniques are becoming increasingly essential for investigating the universe’s fundamental properties. Through the observation of interstellar atoms, molecules, and dust, terahertz astronomy provides valuable insights into the internal conditions of the interstellar medium and offers a unique observational window into the formation and evolution of stars, planets, galaxies, and the universe itself. In recent years, many large astronomical telescopes have begun incorporating terahertz detectors based on microwave kinetic inductance detector (MKID), positioning MKID as a pivotal technology in the field of terahertz astronomical detection. This paper outlines the fundamental principles of MKID, reviews recent advancements in the application of MKIDs to terahertz detection, and discusses future developments in this promising area of research.

     

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