The Simons Observatory: mechanical and electrical robustness of the universal focal-plane modules

Erin Healy; James Beall; Shannon M. Duff; Daniel Dutcher; Bradley R. Johnson; Rita F. Sonka; Suzanne T. Staggs; Yuhan Wang; Kaiwen Zheng

doi:10.1117/12.2629583

31 August 2022 The Simons Observatory: mechanical and electrical robustness of the universal focal-plane modules

Erin Healy, James Beall, Shannon M. Duff, Daniel Dutcher, Bradley R. Johnson, Rita F. Sonka, Suzanne T. Staggs, Yuhan Wang, Kaiwen Zheng

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 12190, Millimeter, Submillimeter, and Far-Infrared Detectors and Instrumentation for Astronomy XI; 1219013 (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2629583
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2022, Montréal, Québec, Canada

Conference Poster

Abstract

The Simons Observatory (SO) is a ground-based cosmic microwave background survey experiment that consists of three 0.5 m small-aperture telescopes and one 6 m large-aperture telescope, sited at an elevation of 5,200 m in the Atacama Desert in Chile. The SO focal planes will be tiled with 49 universal focal-plane modules (UFMs), in which transition-edge sensor detectors are coupled to microwave SQUID multiplexing readout components. These detector modules contain a stack of silicon wafers and chips, which are encased in an aluminum shield and electrically connected with over 10,000 wire bonds. To ensure the UFMs will maintain their electrical and mechanical integrity throughout their expected lifetime, we have developed a program of robustness testing. This program involves repeated cryogenic cycling to mimic a lifetime of operation in the field. We also describe electrical validation tools that enable the debugging of electrical shorts that can appear during assembly and device screening. As a result of these tests and developments, we expect that the UFMs will maintain operability through in-lab module screening and at least five seasons of observation in Chile.

Citation Download Citation

Erin Healy, James Beall, Shannon M. Duff, Daniel Dutcher, Bradley R. Johnson, Rita F. Sonka, Suzanne T. Staggs, Yuhan Wang, and Kaiwen Zheng "The Simons Observatory: mechanical and electrical robustness of the universal focal-plane modules", Proc. SPIE 12190, Millimeter, Submillimeter, and Far-Infrared Detectors and Instrumentation for Astronomy XI, 1219013 (31 August 2022); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2629583

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available