Novel Detectors and Components

The aim of WP2 is to develop key components for future sensitive, wideband receivers for European research infrastructures EVN, ALMA, NOEMA, IRAM-30m, and the future SKA, further enhancing their scientific competitiveness.

Strong support will be generated by advancing joined ground-breaking research and technical development combining the expertise of strong, leading European partner institutes. The research will cover the analog parts of the data chain from the optical elements towards detectors and low-noise amplifiers with the aim of enhancing decisively the performance of each individual element and their interplay, addressing challenges like sensitivity, throughput, power consumption, cooling, biasing, compactness, resilience against radio frequency interference, and integration. Inter-operability in different receivers for a variety of observatories is a key aspect.

These developments are fundamental for single-pixel receivers and also for large field-of-view multi-beam receivers with compact individual detectors. Small series/industrial approaches will be developed in collaboration with SMEs to achieve lower cost per element. Components will be developed, tested, validated, and prototyped.

Training of staff at the research institutes will develop and increase their skills in alignment with the advances of the components and products. The advanced developments of millimetre wave technology have already led to a large scale impact on industry for telecommunication and safety, opening the possibility for exchange of knowledge, cross fertilization, and partnerships.