Extending KIDs to the Mid-IR for Future Space and Suborbital Observatories

The galaxy evolution probe (GEP) is a concept for a probe-class space observatory to study the physical processes related to star formation over cosmic time. To do so, the mid- and far-infrared (IR) spectra of galaxies must be studied. These mid- and far-IR observations require large multi-frequency arrays, sensitive detectors. Our goal is to develop low NEP aluminum kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs) for wavelengths of 10–400 $${\upmu }{{\hbox {m}}}$$ for the GEP and a pathfinder long-duration balloon (GEP-B) that will perform precursor GEP science. KIDs for the lower wavelength range (10–100 $${\upmu }{{\hbox {m}}}$$) have not been previously implemented. We present an absorber design for KIDs sensitive to wavelengths of 10 $${\upmu }{{\hbox {m}}}$$ shown to have around 75–80% absorption efficiency through ANSYS HFSS (high-frequency structure simulator) simulations, challenges that come with optimizing our design to increase the wavelength range, initial tests on our design of fabricated 10 $${\upmu }{{\hbox {m}}}$$ KIDs, and theoretical NEP calculations.