Tenders Are Invited For Integrated Submillimetre Wave Antenna-Coupled Dual-Polarization Focal Plane Array And Detection Chain

Tenders are invited for Integrated Submillimetre Wave Antenna-Coupled Dual-Polarization Focal Plane Array and Detection Chain. Objective: To develop an integrated submillimeter wave antenna-coupled dual-polarization focal plane array and detection chain for space and ground applications.Description: Submillimeter wave focal plane array (FPA) based on very sensitive detectors like transition edge sensor (TES) technology have been proposed in several cosmic microwave background missions like SPICA and LiteBIRD as wellas ground experiments. The European technology for the realization of such FPA and receiver chains has been demonstrated as individual building blocks. Further developments are required to optimize the design and further implement the full receiver chain. For scientific objectives, large-format millimeter and submillimeter arrays (40-400GHz) with moderate sensitivity (10-18 WHz-1/2) are required in two linear polarizations and high polarimetric purity over large fractional bandwidths. The most promising solution consistsof using microstrip-coupled TESs and waveguide horns to maintain clean beams with a high degree of frequency independence and straylight rejection. Miniature on-chip superconducting RF components, such as directional couplers and bandpass filters, will be used toprovide additional functionality.This activity is divided into phases, it is expected to be run by a prime being responsible for thefull system, with contributions of different institutes for the following sub-systems and it encompasses the following tasks perphase:Phase 1 (budget: 4000 k, duration: 24 months):- Design and development of an antenna-coupled TES bolometers, including theortho-mode transducer (OMT) and on-chip bandpass filter and TES bolometers.- Development and packaging of lightweight low frequency feedhorns, considering additive manufacturing or advanced manufacturing techniques (including modelling, development of manufacturingprocesses and the manufacturing of test demonstration devices).- Development and packaging of drilled profiled horn arrays, optical and thermal CTE optimization and the refinement of manufacturing processes considering corrugated silicon platelet feed horn arrays.-Development of frequency division multiplexing (FDM) cold readout, including a two stage SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) system and high-quality factor LC filters.Phase 2 (budget: 3000 k, duration: 12 months):- Implementation of a testbed detection chain, considering the TES noise and the noise equivalent power (NEP) demonstration in single-pixel and multiplexing and the development of algorithms for 1/f noise correlation among pixels in same readout chain.- Demonstration of the integration and thecryogenic performance of the FPA, including a fully representative FPA breadboard model (50%-pixel population), the FPA packaging and integration, feedhorn integration and full module testing (cryogenic optical testing). Open Date: 24/04/2026 08:13 CET Closing Date: 22/06/2026 13:00 CET Price Range: 500 KEURO Tender Link : https://esastar-publication-ext.sso.esa.int/ESATenderActions/filter/open