arXiv subjects

L. Prieur

Publications and source records attributed to L. Prieur.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

CONCERTO: forward modeling of interferograms for calibration

The CarbON [CII] line in post-rEionisation and ReionisaTiOn epoch (CONCERTO) instrument is a low-resolution mapping Fourier-transform spectrometer, based on lumped-element kinetic inductance detector (LEKID) technology, operating at 130- 310 GHz. It was installed on the 12-meter APEX telescope in Chile in April 2021 and operated until December 2022. CONCERTO's main science goal is to constrain the [CII] line fluctuations at high redshift. To reach that goal CONCERTO observed 1.4 deg2 in the COSMOS field. To ensure accurate calibration of the data, we have developed a forward model capable of simulating both the spectral response and the corresponding interferograms for each scan of observation in the COSMOS field. We present the modeling approach that enables us to reproduce the expected instrument outputs under controlled input conditions and provides a framework for the different calibration steps, including the absolute brightness calibration of the spectra. We constructed a dedicated analysis pipeline to characterize the raw interferometric data (interferograms) obtained under a broad range of atmospheric conditions at APEX. Using the forward model, we measured the interferogram alignment with the optical path difference (zero path difference, ZPD) and the relative response of each KID (flatfield). Together, these elements enable a robust characterization of the instrument's spectral brightness calibration.

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arXiv2024

CONCERTO at APEX -- On-sky performance in continuum

We present the data-processing algorithms and the performance of CONCERTO (CarbON CII line in post-rEionisation and ReionisaTiOn epoch) in continuum by analysing the data from the commissioning and scientific observations. The beam pattern is characterized by an effective FWHM of 31.9 $\pm$ 0.6" and 34.4 $\pm$ 1.0" for high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) bands. The main beam is slightly elongated with a mean eccentricity of 0.46. Two error beams of $\sim$65" and $\sim$130" are characterized, enabling the estimate of a main beam efficiency of $\sim$0.52. The field of view is accurately reconstructed and presents coherent distortions between the HF and LF arrays. LEKID parameters were robustly determined for 80% of the read tones. Cross-talks between LEKIDs are the first cause of flagging, followed by an excess of eccentricity for $\sim$10% of the LEKIDs, all located in a given region of the field of view. On the 44 scans of Uranus selected for the absolute photometric calibration, 72.5% and 78.2% of the LEKIDs are selected as valid detectors with a probability >70%. By comparing Uranus measurements with a model, we obtain calibration factors of 19.5$\pm$0.6 [Hz/Jy] and 25.6$\pm$0.9 [Hz/Jy] for HF and LF. The point-source continuum measurement uncertainties are 3.0% and 3.4% for HF and LF bands. The RMS of CONCERTO maps is verified to evolve as proportional to the inverse square root of integration time. The measured NEFDs for HF and LF are 115$\pm$2 mJy/beam$\cdot$s$^{1/2}$ and 95$\pm$1 mJy/beam$\cdot$s$^{1/2}$, obtained using CONCERTO data on the COSMOS field for a mean precipitable water vapour and elevation of 0.81 mm and 55.7 deg. CONCERTO demonstrates unique capabilities in fast dual-band spectral mapping with a $\sim$18.5' instantaneous field-of-view. CONCERTO's performance in continuum is perfectly in line with expectations.

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arXiv2021

CONCERTO at APEX: Installation and first phase of on-sky commissioning

CONCERTO (CarbON CII line in post-rEionisation and ReionisaTiOn) is a large field-of-view (FoV) spectro-imager that has been installed on the Cassegrain Cabin of Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment (APEX) telescope in April 2021. CONCERTO hosts 2 focal planes and a total number of 4000 Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KID), with an instantaneous FoV of 18.6 arcminutes in the range of 130-310 GHz. The spectral resolution can be easily tuned down to 1 GHz depending on the scientific target. The scientific program of CONCERTO has many objectives, with two main programs focused on mapping the fluctuations of the [CII] line intensity in the reionisation and post-reionisation epoch (4.5<z<8.5), and on studying galaxy clusters via the thermal and kinetic Sunyaev-Zel'dovich (SZ) effect. CONCERTO will also measure the dust and molecular gas contents of local and intermediate-redshift galaxies, it will study the Galactic star-forming clouds and finally it will observe the CO intensity fluctuations arising from 0.3<z<2 galaxies. The design of the instrument, installation at APEX and current status of the commissioning phase and science verification will be presented. Also we describe the deployment and first on-sky tests performed between April and June 2021.

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arXiv2021

CONCERTO at APEX: installation and technical commissioning

We describe the deployment and first tests on Sky of CONCERTO, a large field-of-view (18.6arc-min) spectral-imaging instrument. The instrument operates in the range 130-310GHz from the APEX 12-meters telescope located at 5100m a.s.l. on the Chajnantor plateau. Spectra with R=1-300 are obtained using a fast (2.5Hz mechanical frequency) Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS), coupled to a continuous dilution cryostat with a base temperature of 60mK. Two 2152-pixels arrays of Lumped Element Kinetic Inductance Detectors (LEKID) are installed in the cryostat that also contains the cold optics and the front-end electronics. CONCERTO, installed in April 2021, generates more than 20k spectra per second during observations. We describe the final development phases, the installation and the first results obtained on Sky.

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arXiv2020

A wide field-of-view low-resolution spectrometer at APEX: instrument design and science forecast

Characterise the large-scale structure in the Universe from present times to the high redshift epoch of reionisation is essential to constraining the cosmology, the history of star formation and reionisation, measuring the gas content of the Universe and obtaining a better understanding of the physical process that drive galaxy formation and evolution. Using the integrated emission from unresolved galaxies or gas clouds, line intensity mapping (LIM) provides a new observational window to measure the larger properties of structure. This very promising technique motivates the community to plan for LIM experiments. We describe the development of a large field-of-view instrument, named CONCERTO, operating in the range 130-310 GHz from the APEX 12-meters telescope. CONCERTO is a low-resolution spectrometer based on the Lumped Element Kinetic Inductance Detectors technology. Spectra are obtained using a fast Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS), coupled to a dilution cryostat with base temperature of 0.1K. Two 2 kilo-pixels arrays of LEKID are mounted inside the cryostat that also contains the cold optics and the front-end electronics. We present in detail the technological choices leading to the instrumental concept, together with the design and fabrication of the instrument and preliminary laboratory tests on the detectors. We also give our best estimates of CONCERTO sensitivity and give predictions for two of the main scientific goals of CONCERTO, i.e. a [CII]-intensity mapping survey and observations of galaxy clusters. We provide a detail description of the instrument design. Based on realistic comparisons with existing instruments developed by our group (NIKA, NIKA2, and KISS), and on laboratory detectors characterisation, we provide an estimate of CONCERTO sensitivity on sky. Finally, we describe in detail two out of the main science goals offered by CONCERTO at APEX.

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