Multi-pixel Ka-band radiometer for the QUIJOTE experiment (Phase II)

Abstract

This paper presents the configuration of the Ka-band radiometer developed for the Phase II of the QUIJOTE radio astronomy experiment, as well as the design of the different subsystems involved in the instrument. The new configuration, consisting of around 30 modified receivers working in the 26 - 36 GHz band, avoids the need of a rotating polar modulator at cryogenic temperatures, which is a source of mechanical and thermal difficulties. Moreover, the larger number of receivers will increase the instrument sensitivity. These two aspects are a clear advantage over the receiver developed for the experiment Phase I. The present paper also gives detailed information of some designed subsystems such as the feedhorn, the polarizer, the orthomode transducer, the cryogenic low-noise amplifiers and the back-end module.