First Characterization of a Superconducting Filter-bank Spectrometer for Hyper-spectral Microwave Atmospheric Sounding with Transition Edge Sensors

Abstract

We describe the design, fabrication, integration and characterization of a prototype superconducting filter bank with transition edge sensor readout designed to explore millimetre-wave detection at frequencies in the range 40 to 65 GHz. Results indicate highly uniform filter channel placement in frequency and high overall detection efficiency. The route to a full atmospheric sounding instrument in this frequency range is discussed.