
Proceedings Paper
Techniques for the modelling of QUBIC: a next-generation quasi-optical bolometric interferometer for cosmologyFormat | Member Price | Non-Member Price |
---|---|---|
$17.00 | $21.00 |
Paper Abstract
The expansion of the universe has red-shifted remnant radiation, called the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB)
radiation, to the terahertz band, one of the last areas of the electromagnetic spectrum to be explored. The CMB has
imprinted upon it extremely faint temperature and polarisation features that were present in the early universe. The next
ambitious goal in CMB astronomy is to map the polarisation characteristics but their detection will require a telescope
with unprecedented levels of sensitivity and systematic error control. The QUBIC (Q&U Bolometric Interferometer for
Cosmology) instrument has been specifically designed for this task, combining the sensitivity of a large array of wideband
bolometers with the accuracy of interferometry. QUBIC will observe the sky through an array of horns whose
signals will be added using a quasi-optical beam combiner (an off-axis Gregorian dual reflector designed to have low
aberrations). Fringes will be formed on two focal planes separated by a polarising grid.
MODAL (our in house simulation package) has been used to great effect in achieving a detailed level of understanding
of the QUBIC combiner. Using a combination of scalar (GBM) and vector (PO) analysis, MODAL is capable of high
speed and accuracy in the simulation of quasi-optical systems. There are several technical challenges to overcome but the
development of MODAL and simulation techniques have gone a long way to solving these in the design and analysis
phase.
In this paper I outline the quasi-optical modelling of the QUBIC beam combiner and work envisaged for the future.
Paper Details
Date Published: 7 March 2014
PDF: 12 pages
Proc. SPIE 8985, Terahertz, RF, Millimeter, and Submillimeter-Wave Technology and Applications VII, 898516 (7 March 2014); doi: 10.1117/12.2036259
Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 8985:
Terahertz, RF, Millimeter, and Submillimeter-Wave Technology and Applications VII
Laurence P. Sadwick; Créidhe M. O'Sullivan, Editor(s)
PDF: 12 pages
Proc. SPIE 8985, Terahertz, RF, Millimeter, and Submillimeter-Wave Technology and Applications VII, 898516 (7 March 2014); doi: 10.1117/12.2036259
Show Author Affiliations
S. Scully, National Univ. of Ireland, Maynooth (Ireland)
D. Gayer, National Univ. of Ireland, Maynooth (Ireland)
D. Bennet, National Univ. of Ireland, Maynooth (Ireland)
D. Gayer, National Univ. of Ireland, Maynooth (Ireland)
D. Bennet, National Univ. of Ireland, Maynooth (Ireland)
C. O'Sullivan, National Univ. of Ireland, Maynooth (Ireland)
M. L. Gradziel, National Univ. of Ireland, Maynooth (Ireland)
M. L. Gradziel, National Univ. of Ireland, Maynooth (Ireland)
Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 8985:
Terahertz, RF, Millimeter, and Submillimeter-Wave Technology and Applications VII
Laurence P. Sadwick; Créidhe M. O'Sullivan, Editor(s)
© SPIE. Terms of Use
