Revealing the high-redshift Universe with superconducting on-chip spectrometers
Lead Research Organisation:
CARDIFF UNIVERSITY
Abstract
This FLF renewal aims to deliver technical and scientific advances for mm-wavelength line-intensity mapping (mm-LIM), a new and powerful technique for tracing the growth and evolution of structure in the Universe. mm-LIM provides a unique view of the high-redshift Universe that is complementary to alternative existing approaches, and long-term success will unlock new measurements and constraints on star formation, galaxy growth, and the large-scale matter distribution across cosmic time.
The primary vision of this FLF is to establish the UK as a world leader in this emerging field by developing the superconducting spectrometer technology needed for the first scalable, large-format, highly sensitive instruments optimised for mm-wave LIM.
During the first phase of the fellowship, I built a new research programme at Cardiff University and led the successful deployment of two prototype multi-pixel spectrometer arrays: Superspec at the Large Millimetre Telescope in Mexico, and SPT-SLIM at the South Pole Telescope. These milestones demonstrated that the technical approach of on-chip spectrometer technology is viable, and established the foundations for a team capable of delivering future ambitious instrumentation.
The renewal will build directly on this progress. Its objectives are (1) to design, fabricate, and commission the next-generation SLIM spectrometer arrays, including the first UK-fabricated arrays, and (2) to develop full conceptual designs for a future facility-scale mm-LIM instruments in partnership with leading international observatories.
Built on a proven track record, a strong international network, and an established team with the specialised required expertise, this FLF will provide the first science-grade UK-led on-chip spectrometer array and deliver a step-change in both the technology and the scientific strategy required for the next decade of LIM cosmology.
The primary vision of this FLF is to establish the UK as a world leader in this emerging field by developing the superconducting spectrometer technology needed for the first scalable, large-format, highly sensitive instruments optimised for mm-wave LIM.
During the first phase of the fellowship, I built a new research programme at Cardiff University and led the successful deployment of two prototype multi-pixel spectrometer arrays: Superspec at the Large Millimetre Telescope in Mexico, and SPT-SLIM at the South Pole Telescope. These milestones demonstrated that the technical approach of on-chip spectrometer technology is viable, and established the foundations for a team capable of delivering future ambitious instrumentation.
The renewal will build directly on this progress. Its objectives are (1) to design, fabricate, and commission the next-generation SLIM spectrometer arrays, including the first UK-fabricated arrays, and (2) to develop full conceptual designs for a future facility-scale mm-LIM instruments in partnership with leading international observatories.
Built on a proven track record, a strong international network, and an established team with the specialised required expertise, this FLF will provide the first science-grade UK-led on-chip spectrometer array and deliver a step-change in both the technology and the scientific strategy required for the next decade of LIM cosmology.