Parallel-Plate Capacitor TiN KIDs for Infrared Astronomy
The Balloon Experiment for Galactic INfrared Science (BEGINS) is a concept for a sub-orbital observatory that will characterize dust in the vicinity of high-mass stars. It requires detectors with NEPs from 2x10 -16 W Hz -1/2 to 6x10 -17 W Hz -1/2 from 25-250 microns, respectively. The mission’s sensitivity requirements will be met by utilizing arrays of 1,840 lens-coupled, lumped-element kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs) operating at 300 mK. Each KID will consist of a titanium nitride (TiN) parallel strip absorbing inductive section and parallel plate capacitor deposited on a Silicon (Si) substrate. The parallel plate capacitor geometry allows for reduction of the pixel spacing. We present the optical performance of a prototype BEGINS KID array at 25 microns when coupled to Fresnel zone plate lenses. We present sensitivity, optical efficiency and quasiparticle lifetime measurements taken in a cryogenic test bed with a cryogenic blackbody.