Second generation readout for large format photon counting microwave kinetic inductance detectors

Journal Article · Thu Dec 10 00:00:00 EST 2020 · Review of Scientific Instruments

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0029457· OSTI ID:1734963

Fruitwala, Neelay ; Strader, Paschal; Cancelo, Gustavo; Zmuda, Ted; Treptow, Ken; Wilcer, Neal; Stoughton, Chris ; Walter, Alex B.; Zobrist, Nicholas ; Collura, Giulia; Lipartito, Isabel ; Bailey, III, John I. ; Mazin, Benjamin A.

We present the development of a second generation digital readout system for photon counting microwave kinetic inductance detector (MKID) arrays operating in the optical and near-infrared wavelength bands. Our system retains much of the core signal processing architecture from the first generation system but with a significantly higher bandwidth, enabling the readout of kilopixel MKID arrays. Each set of readout boards is capable of reading out 1024 MKID pixels multiplexed over 2 GHz of bandwidth; two such units can be placed in parallel to read out a full 2048 pixel microwave feedline over a 4 GHz–8 GHz band. As in the first generation readout, our system is capable of identifying, analyzing, and recording photon detection events in real time with a time resolution of order a few microseconds. Here, we describe the hardware and firmware, and present an analysis of the noise properties of the system. We also present a novel algorithm for efficiently suppressing IQ mixer sidebands to below −30 dBc.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: AC02-07CH11359
• OSTI ID: 1734963
• Journal Information: Review of Scientific Instruments, Journal Name: Review of Scientific Instruments Vol. 91 Journal Issue: 12; ISSN 0034-6748
• Publisher: American Institute of Physics
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English