The Design, Characterization, and Pixel Architecture of Superconducting On-chip Fourier Transform Spectrometers

Superconducting On-chip Fourier Transform Spectrometers (SOFTS) are broadband, compact and electronic interferometers. SOFTS will enable kilo-pixel spectro-imaging focal planes enhancing sub-millimeter science. Particular applications include cluster astrophysics, cosmology, cosmic microwave background (CMB) science, and line intensity mapping. This thesis details the design and characterization of radio frequency (RF) on-chip architecture of SOFTS for the Ka band, as well as a theoretical single pixel architecture for a 210 GHz SOFTS pixel coupled to a conical feedhorn and lumped element kinetic inductance detector