Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors
Peter K. Daya , Henry G. Leduca , Benjamin A. Mazina , Anastasos Vayonakisb, Jiansong Gaob , Schwetank
Kumarb , and Jonas Zmuidzinasb
a
b
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
The microwave kinetic inductance detector (MKID) is a new type of superconducting photon detector
which is applicable from millimeter-wave frequencies to X–rays. Photons are absorbed in a superconductor, producing quasiparticle excitations, which change the surface reactance (kinetic inductance) of
the superconductor. The changes in kinetic inductance are monitored using microwave high–Q thin–film
superconducting resonators. Because the MKID is particularly amenable to frequency–domain multiplexing, with likely detector multiplexing factors of ∼ 103 or more per cryogenic amplifier, these detectors
are well suited for use in large arrays. We will discuss the theory of operation of the MKID, our present
understanding of the factors limiting the sensitivity, and progress toward realizing practical devices for
detection of submillimeter radiation for astronomical applications.
Sorting category: Eb Materials, techniques, and applications
Keywords: detectors, microwave, kinetic inductance, superconductors
INVITED PAPER
LT2353