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This study presents the optical design and performance analysis of a 410 GHz module for Prime-Cam, a first-generation instrument for the Fred Young Submillimeter Telescope. The module is designed to accommodate approximately 21,000 polarization-sensitive kinetic inductance detectors using a three-lens silicon optical system adapted from previous designs. The researchers evaluated optical performance metrics including Strehl ratio, ellipticity, and beam quality, while also conducting preliminary tolerance testing to assess the system's sensitivity to alignment errors.
Why it matters
This work advances submillimeter astronomy instrumentation by enabling wide-field observations at higher frequencies for cosmology research, line-intensity mapping, and galaxy studies. The 410 GHz capability extends the telescope's observational range while the large detector array significantly improves survey efficiency.
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⚠️ Preprint – Noch nicht peer-reviewed
Dieser Artikel wurde noch nicht von unabhängigen Experten begutachtet. Die Ergebnisse sind vorläufig und sollten mit Vorsicht interpretiert werden.
Abstract: Prime-Cam is a first-generation instrument for the Fred Young Submillimeter Telescope (FYST), enabling wide-field, multi-frequency observations for cosmology, line-intensity mapping, and galaxy studies. We present an optical performance study for a candidate 410 GHz broadband module designed to field approximately 21,000 polarisation-sensitive kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs). The three-lens silicon design was adapted from the SO LATR design and used for the existing 280 and 350 GHz Prime-Cam instrument modules, as well as this study. At 410 GHz, a shorter wavelength places tighter demands on wavefront quality and beam shape. Using Ansys Zemax OpticStudio and Huygens PSF analysis, we evaluate candidate module positions, compare 350 and 410 GHz performance, and assess field-dependent Strehl ratio, ellipticity, and encircled-energy behaviour. A preliminary tolerancing study, using inverse increment and Monte Carlo methods, tests sensitivity to selected alignment perturbations.
Source: CCAT: Optical Design of the 410 GHz Prime-Cam Module