Next generation sub-millimeter wave focal plane array coupling concepts: an ESA TRP project to develop multichroic focal plane pixels for future CMB polarization experiments

International audienceThe main objective of this activity is to develop new focal plane coupling array concepts and technologies thatoptimise the coupling from reflector optics to the large number of detectors for next generation sub millimetrewave telescopes particularly targeting measurement of the polarization of the cosmic microwave background(CMB). In this 18 month TRP programme the consortium are tasked with developing, manufacturing andexperimentally verifying a prototype multichroic pixel which would be suitable for the large focal plane arrayswhich will be demanded to reach the required sensitivity of future CMB polarization missions. One majordevelopment was to have multichroic operation to potentially reduce the required focal plane size of a CMBmission. After research in the optimum telescope design and definition of requirements based on a stringentscience case review, a number of compact focal plane architecture concepts were investigated before a pixeldemonstrator consisting of a planar mesh lens feeding a backend Resonant Cold Electron Bolometer RCEB forfiltering and detection of the dual frequency signal was planned for manufacture and test. In this demonstratorthe frequencies of the channels was chosen to be 75 and 105 GHz in the w band close to the peak CMB signal.In the next year the prototype breadboards will be developed to test the beams produced by the manufacturedflat lenses fed by a variety of antenna configurations and the spectral response of the RCEBs will also beverified.© (2016) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only