arXiv subjects

Nicolas Reyes

Publications and source records attributed to Nicolas Reyes.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

A MKID-readout based on a heterogeneous, closely coupled architecture

Within this proceeding, we introduce the U-Board platform, a versatile platform for signal generation, acquisition and processing, based on a heterogenous processing architecture. Based on this platform we present a readout for Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs) for the A-MKID camera for APEX. In addition to the implementation of the readout on this heterogenous architecture, we also present a first comparison of the performance of the readout compared to the currently used readout of the A-MKID camera. Last but not least, we discuss how we plan to miniaturize the current prototype, which is based on commercial off the shelf components.

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arXiv2020

4GREAT -- a four-color receiver for high-resolution airborne terahertz spectroscopy

4GREAT is an extension of the German Receiver for Astronomy at Terahertz frequencies (GREAT) operated aboard the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). The spectrometer comprises four different detector bands and their associated subsystems for simultaneous and fully independent science operation. All detector beams are co-aligned on the sky. The frequency bands of 4GREAT cover 491-635, 890-1090, 1240-1525 and 2490-2590 GHz, respectively. This paper presents the design and characterization of the instrument, and its in-flight performance. 4GREAT saw first light in June 2018, and has been offered to the interested SOFIA communities starting with observing cycle 6.

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arXiv2018

A Calibrated Digital Sideband Separating Spectrometer for Radio Astronomy Applications

Dual sideband (2SB) receivers are well suited for the spectral observation of complex astronomical signals over a wide frequency range. They are extensively used in radio astronomy, their main advantages being to avoid spectral confusion and to diminish effective system temperature by a factor two with respect to double sideband (DSB) receivers. Using available millimeter-wave analog technology, wideband 2SB receivers generally obtain sideband rejections ratios (SRR) of 10-15dB, insufficient for a number of astronomical applications. We report here the design and implementation of an FPGA-based sideband separating FFT spectrometer. A 4GHz analog front end was built to test the design and measure sideband rejection. The setup uses a 2SB front end architecture, except that the mixer outputs are directly digitized before the IF hybrid, using two 8bits ADCs sampling at 1GSPS. The IF hybrid is implemented on the FPGA together with a set of calibration vectors that, properly chosen, compensate for the analog front end amplitude and phase imbalances. The calibrated receiver exhibits a sideband rejection ratio in excess of 40dB for the entire 2GHz RF bandwidth.

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arXiv2016

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) Band-1 Receiver

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array(ALMA) Band 1 receiver covers the 35-50 GHz frequency band. Development of prototype receivers, including the key components and subsystems has been completed and two sets of prototype receivers were fully tested. We will provide an overview of the ALMA Band 1 science goals, and its requirements and design for use on the ALMA. The receiver development status will also be discussed and the infrastructure, integration, evaluation of fully-assembled band 1 receiver system will be covered. Finally, a discussion of the technical and management challenges encountered will be presented.

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arXiv2015

First supra-THz Heterodyne Array Receivers for Astronomy with the SOFIA Observatory

We present the upGREAT THz heterodyne arrays for far-infrared astronomy. The Low Frequency Array (LFA) is designed to cover the 1.9-2.5 THz range using 2x7-pixel waveguide-based HEB mixer arrays in a dual polarization configuration. The High Frequency Array (HFA) will perform observations of the [OI] line at ~4.745 THz using a 7-pixel waveguide-based HEB mixer array. This paper describes the common design for both arrays, cooled to 4.5 K using closed- cycle pulse tube technology. We then show the laboratory and telescope characterization of the first array with its 14 pixels (LFA), which culminated in the successful commissioning in May 2015 aboard the SOFIA airborne observatory observing the [CII] fine structure transition at 1.905 THz. This is the first successful demonstration of astronomical observations with a heterodyne focal plane array above 1 THz and is also the first time high- power closed-cycle coolers for temperatures below 4.5 K are operated on an airborne platform.

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