The Superconducting Spectroscopic Array Receiver (SSAR) for Millimeter-wave Radio Astronomy

Abstract

The studies on formation and evolution of interstellar molecular clouds and star formation give rise to high demands on imaging capability of millimeter-wave spectroscopic receiver. The Superconducting Spectroscopic Array Receiver (SSAR) of 3times3 pixels has been designed to work over 85-116 GHz. A number of new technological approaches are applied in the development of SSAR including of 4-K cooled superconducting SIS mixers using sideband separating scheme, automatically tuned digital bias, cooled SiGe HBT amplifiers, and digital FFT spectrometers. Development of the receiver system is undergoing. Upon completion, this instrument will enhance significantly the mapping capability in millimeter-wave line observations with high spectroscopic resolution. This paper introduces the main technological features applied in design and development of the receiver system.