Next Generation Readout system for KIDs

Kinetic Inductance Detectors are an emerging transformational technology that are beginning to be used in a wide range of applications. They employ a superconducting sensor that is extremely sensitive for detecting light across a wide range of the electro-magnetic spectrum. One of the key technologies for such system is the data-acquisition system that uses powerful FPGAs to drive a Software Defined Radio system. This project will help to deliver an order of magnitude step in capabilities of the read-out system through the application to the latest industrial developments in the area of RF System-on-Chip devices. The leap in capabilities from this development will help to drive the next generation of KID devices that are being developed in Europe and the US. The proposed project will enable us to become a key partner in the development of this system. This will open opportunities for UK partners to exploit this technology in areas such as ground-based astronomy, space-based astronomy and remote sensing, medical imaging and quantum technologies.

KIDs research combines many areas that play an important role in the high-tech economy; superconductivity, cryogenics, RF engineering, high-speed digital signal processing, as well as optics and software design. The skills developed through this work will contribute to these areas through the training of PhD students and the presentation of the results of this research at scientific conferences. In order to assess the potential impact outside of the direct fields of research, we are investigating the potential for this technology in other UKRI fields of research such as life and healthcare sciences.
Indirectly, this research is part of the portfolio of research from the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation and Durham Astronomy Research Cluster. DARC has a wide-ranging programme to engage the public with our research and to boost the participation of local school pupils in Physics and Astronomy. This is also an important part of the training of early-stage researchers. Our outreach activity takes on various formats, including participation in exhibitions, public lectures, a travelling planetarium and dissemination in the media.