Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Journal of Low Temperature Physics

Configuration of Probe Tones for MKID Readout with Frequency Sweeping Scheme

M. Nagai, Yuji Murayama, Tom Nitta, R. Suzuki, Ryotaro Hikawa, H. Miyazawa, Ryohei Noji, Hitoshi Kiuchi, Yutaro Sekímoto, Hiroshi Matsuo, Wenlei Shan, Masato Naruse, Takashi Noguchi, Nario Kuno, A. Monfardini, Juan Francisco Macias-Perez, J. Goupy, Martino Calvo, Andrea Catalano

Published Sep 19, 2022• 0 citations
Publisher
DOI
10.1007/s10909-022-02865-y

Related papers

Resonance Spectra of Coplanar Waveguide MKIDs Obtained Using Frequency Sweeping Scheme

M. Nagai, Yuji Murayama, Tom Nitta +6 more

Journal of Low Temperature Physics•Nov 19, 2019•4 citations

Novel Frequency-Domain Multiplexing MKID Readout for the LiteBIRD Satellite

K.Hattori, S. Ariyoshi, M. Hazumi +8 more

•Jan 1, 2012•0 citations

Maximizing dynamic range of microwave kinetic inductance detectors through high-speed tone tracking

Jonathan R. Hoh, Adrian K. Sinclair, Ryan Stephenson

Microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKIDs) operate through means of a superconducting resonator that changes resonant frequency and quality factor when incident photons are absorbed in the superconducting material. Incident power on MKIDs is determined by reading out the phase and amplitude of a tone injected into each detector. However, if the incident power on an MKID changes too drastically and the resonant frequency moves too far from the probe tone, amplitude information becomes useless and the detector is effectively out of commission until a VNA sweep is used to relocate resonances. Here we present the designs and preliminary results of a tone-tracking firmware that uses phase information to maintain an on-resonance probe tone at all times, removing the need for time-intensive VNA sweeps during observations and effectively maximizing the dynamic range of MKIDs. We will conclude with a discussion on future NASA missions that hope implement this tone-tracking design.

Millimeter, Submillimeter, and Far-Infrared Detectors and Instrumentation for Astronomy XI•Dec 12, 2020•1 citation

A frequency-modulated read-out system for dc SQIDs

M. M�ck, Horst Rogalla, Christoph Heiden

Applied Physics A•Nov 1, 1988•16 citations

Towards a Low-Cost Readout System for Arrays of Cryogenic Detectors

K. J. Ramos, Horacio Arnaldi, L. Tosi

A microwave kinetic inductance detector (MKID) is a superconducting pair-breaking detector used for astronomical observations in the sub-millimeter through visible range. Radiation is detected as a phase and amplitude signal proportional to the frequency shift of the device. In the case of arrays of MKIDs, the read-out is performed using the frequency division multiplexing technique. However, there is currently no commercial system or low-cost standard electronics available for this task. In this work, we take the first steps towards developing a low-cost readout system for MKIDs based on the Red Pitaya board. We have developed a firmware for the efficient generation of probe tones, and show figures of merit characterizing the performance of the readout in a hardware prototype. The design is flexible, letting us to adapt it to new frequencies and amplitudes requirements of the MKID arrays.

Argentine Conference on Electronics (CAE)•Mar 9, 2023•1 citation

Tunable responsivity and bandwidth in microwave kinetic inductance detectors via readout current nonlinearity

M. Rouble, Peter Day, Matt Dobbs +3 more

Microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKIDs) are generally read out with microwave readout tones of high enough amplitude to adequately suppress the noise contribution of the first-stage amplifier. At high readout power, the detector's resonant frequency is altered as a result of the dependence of the kinetic inductance on the internally circulating microwave current. With the tone placed below the resonant frequency, the nonlinear frequency shift results in a positive feedback effect that can significantly enhance the responsivity of the detector, to both optical and microwave power. We report a factor of 10 enhancement in optical response by tuning the readout power and frequency to close to the resonator's bifurcation point. A corresponding decrease in the bandwidth of the resonator is observed under these conditions. We show that the strength of the feedback effect can be easily selected by adjusting the excitation, and provide a map of possible operational states to do so. Operation of MKIDs in this mode could be used to improve sensitivity when non-intrinsic noise sources are significant.

arXiv:2607.09178•Jul 10, 2026•0 citations
Microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKIDs) operate through means of a superconducting resonator that changes resonant frequency and quality factor when incident photons are absorbed in the superconducting material. Incident power on MKIDs is determined by reading out the phase and amplitude of a tone injected into each detector. However, if the incident power on an MKID changes too drastically and the resonant frequency moves too far from the probe tone, amplitude information becomes useless and the detector is effectively out of commission until a VNA sweep is used to relocate resonances. Here we present the designs and preliminary results of a tone-tracking firmware that uses phase information to maintain an on-resonance probe tone at all times, removing the need for time-intensive VNA sweeps during observations and effectively maximizing the dynamic range of MKIDs. We will conclude with a discussion on future NASA missions that hope implement this tone-tracking design.
A microwave kinetic inductance detector (MKID) is a superconducting pair-breaking detector used for astronomical observations in the sub-millimeter through visible range. Radiation is detected as a phase and amplitude signal proportional to the frequency shift of the device. In the case of arrays of MKIDs, the read-out is performed using the frequency division multiplexing technique. However, there is currently no commercial system or low-cost standard electronics available for this task. In this work, we take the first steps towards developing a low-cost readout system for MKIDs based on the Red Pitaya board. We have developed a firmware for the efficient generation of probe tones, and show figures of merit characterizing the performance of the readout in a hardware prototype. The design is flexible, letting us to adapt it to new frequencies and amplitudes requirements of the MKID arrays.
Microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKIDs) are generally read out with microwave readout tones of high enough amplitude to adequately suppress the noise contribution of the first-stage amplifier. At high readout power, the detector's resonant frequency is altered as a result of the dependence of the kinetic inductance on the internally circulating microwave current. With the tone placed below the resonant frequency, the nonlinear frequency shift results in a positive feedback effect that can significantly enhance the responsivity of the detector, to both optical and microwave power. We report a factor of 10 enhancement in optical response by tuning the readout power and frequency to close to the resonator's bifurcation point. A corresponding decrease in the bandwidth of the resonator is observed under these conditions. We show that the strength of the feedback effect can be easily selected by adjusting the excitation, and provide a map of possible operational states to do so. Operation of MKIDs in this mode could be used to improve sensitivity when non-intrinsic noise sources are significant.