I am currently a post-doctoral researcher at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. I am currently researching the feasibility of a space based far-infrared spatial-spectral interferometer under the FP7 funded FISICA project. My general research interests are far-IR astronomy and astrophysics, and related instrumentation and simulation.
The next generation of space missions targeting far-infrared wavelengths will require large-forma... more The next generation of space missions targeting far-infrared wavelengths will require large-format arrays of extremely sensitive detectors. The development of Transition Edge Sensor (TES) array technology is being developed for future Far-Infrared (FIR) space applications such as the SAFARI instrument for SPICA where low-noise and high sensitivity is required to achieve ambitious science goals. In this paper we describe a modal analysis of multi-moded horn antennas feeding integrating cavities housing TES detectors with superconducting film absorbers. In high sensitivity TES detector technology the ability to control the electromagnetic and thermo-mechanical environment of the detector is critical. Simulating and understanding optical behaviour of such detectors at far IR wavelengths is difficult and requires development of existing analysis tools. The proposed modal approach offers a computationally efficient technique to describe the partial coherent response of the full pixel in terms of optical efficiency and power leakage between pixels. Initial wok carried out as part of an ESA technical research project on optical analysis is described and a prototype SAFARI pixel design is analyzed where the optical coupling between the incoming field and the pixel containing horn, cavity with an air gap, and thin absorber layer are all included in the model to allow a comprehensive optical characterization. The modal approach described is based on the mode matching technique where the horn and cavity are described in the traditional way while a technique to include the absorber was developed. Radiation leakage between pixels is also included making this a powerful analysis tool.
New developments in waveguide mode matching techniques are considered, in particular the efficien... more New developments in waveguide mode matching techniques are considered, in particular the efficient modeling of waveguide cavity coupled detectors. This approach is useful in far-infrared astronomical instrumentation and cosmic microwave background experiments in which bolometers feeding horn antennas or Winston cones are often employed for high sensitivity, good control of stray light and well behaved beam patterns. While such systems can, in theory, be modeled using full wave FEM techniques it would be desirable, especially for large structures in terms of the wavelength, to exploit more efficient mode matching techniques, particularly for initial design optimization. This would also be especially useful for cavities feeding partially coherent multi-mode horns or Winston cones. The mode matching approach also allows for straightforward modeling of the complete coupling structure including the horn, waveguide cavity and absorbing layer of the bolometer, thus marking a significant advance in the ability to predict the optical efficiencies of cavity coupled bolometers. We consider typical single mode and multi-mode examples that illustrate the power of the technique.
Astronomical observations in the far-infrared are critical for investigation of cosmic microwave ... more Astronomical observations in the far-infrared are critical for investigation of cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation and the formation and evolution of planets, stars and galaxies. In the case of space telescope receivers a strong heritage exists for corrugated horn antenna feeds to couple the far-infrared signals to the detectors mounted in a waveguide or cavity structure. Such antenna feeds have been utilized, for example, in the Planck satellite in both single-mode channels for the observation of the CMB and the multi-mode channels optimized for the detection of foreground sources. Looking to the demands of the future space missions, it is clear that the development of new technology solutions for the optimization and simplification of horn antenna structures will be required for large arrays. Horn antennas will continue to offer excellent control of beam and polarization properties for CMB polarisation experiments satisfying stringent requirements on low sidelobe levels, symmetry and low cross polarization in large arrays. Similarly for mid infrared systems multi-mode waveguide structures will give high throughput to reach the required sensitivities. In this paper we present a computationally efficient approach for modelling and optimising horn characteristics. We investigate smooth-walled profiled horns that have a performance equivalent to that of the corrugated horns traditionally used for CMB measurements. We discuss the horn optimisation process and the algorithms available to maximise performance of a merit parameter such as low cross polarisation or high Gaussicity.
The planet Uranus is one of two ice giants in the solar system, both of which have only been visi... more The planet Uranus is one of two ice giants in the solar system, both of which have only been visited only once by the Voyager 2 spacecraft. Ice giants represent a fundamental class of planet, and in fact, many known exoplanets fall in this category. Therefore, a dedicated mission to an ice giant is crucial to deepen our understanding of the formation, evolution and current characteristics of such planetary and exoplanetary systems. Here we present the results of a detailed study of a mission to investigate the Uranus system as an archetype for ice giants. Our detailed trade-off study has resulted in a mission configuration consisting of an orbiter with a deep atmospheric probe and an extensive orbital tour of the main moons of the Uranus system.
Terahertz, RF, Millimeter, and Submillimeter-Wave Technology and Applications VI, 2013
Astronomical observations in the far-infrared are critical for investigation of cosmic microwave ... more Astronomical observations in the far-infrared are critical for investigation of cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation and the formation and evolution of planets, stars and galaxies. In the case of space telescope receivers a strong heritage exists for corrugated horn antenna feeds to couple the far-infrared signals to the detectors mounted in a waveguide or cavity structure. Such antenna feeds have been utilized, for example, in the Planck satellite in both single-mode channels for the observation of the CMB and the multi-mode channels optimized for the detection of foreground sources. Looking to the demands of the future space missions, it is clear that the development of new technology solutions for the optimization and simplification of horn antenna structures will be required for large arrays. Horn antennas will continue to offer excellent control of beam and polarization properties for CMB polarisation experiments satisfying stringent requirements on low sidelobe levels, symmetry and low cross polarization in large arrays. Similarly for mid infrared systems multi-mode waveguide structures will give high throughput to reach the required sensitivities. In this paper we present a computationally efficient approach for modelling and optimising horn characteristics. We investigate smooth-walled profiled horns that have a performance equivalent to that of the corrugated horns traditionally used for CMB measurements. We discuss the horn optimisation process and the algorithms available to maximise performance of a merit parameter such as low cross polarisation or high Gaussicity.
Fourier Transform Spectroscopy and Hyperspectral Imaging and Sounding of the Environment, 2015
ABSTRACT The progress and results of the ongoing FP7-FISICA programme to re-asses the scientific ... more ABSTRACT The progress and results of the ongoing FP7-FISICA programme to re-asses the scientific goals of a Far-Infrared Space Interfereometer and push the development of some of its key technology elements are reported.
The next generation of space missions targeting far-infrared wavelengths will require large-forma... more The next generation of space missions targeting far-infrared wavelengths will require large-format arrays of extremely sensitive detectors. The development of Transition Edge Sensor (TES) array technology is being developed for future Far-Infrared (FIR) space applications such as the SAFARI instrument for SPICA where low-noise and high sensitivity is required to achieve ambitious science goals. In this paper we describe a modal analysis of multi-moded horn antennas feeding integrating cavities housing TES detectors with superconducting film absorbers. In high sensitivity TES detector technology the ability to control the electromagnetic and thermo-mechanical environment of the detector is critical. Simulating and understanding optical behaviour of such detectors at far IR wavelengths is difficult and requires development of existing analysis tools. The proposed modal approach offers a computationally efficient technique to describe the partial coherent response of the full pixel in terms of optical efficiency and power leakage between pixels. Initial wok carried out as part of an ESA technical research project on optical analysis is described and a prototype SAFARI pixel design is analyzed where the optical coupling between the incoming field and the pixel containing horn, cavity with an air gap, and thin absorber layer are all included in the model to allow a comprehensive optical characterization. The modal approach described is based on the mode matching technique where the horn and cavity are described in the traditional way while a technique to include the absorber was developed. Radiation leakage between pixels is also included making this a powerful analysis tool.
New developments in waveguide mode matching techniques are considered, in particular the efficien... more New developments in waveguide mode matching techniques are considered, in particular the efficient modeling of waveguide cavity coupled detectors. This approach is useful in far-infrared astronomical instrumentation and cosmic microwave background experiments in which bolometers feeding horn antennas or Winston cones are often employed for high sensitivity, good control of stray light and well behaved beam patterns. While such systems can, in theory, be modeled using full wave FEM techniques it would be desirable, especially for large structures in terms of the wavelength, to exploit more efficient mode matching techniques, particularly for initial design optimization. This would also be especially useful for cavities feeding partially coherent multi-mode horns or Winston cones. The mode matching approach also allows for straightforward modeling of the complete coupling structure including the horn, waveguide cavity and absorbing layer of the bolometer, thus marking a significant advance in the ability to predict the optical efficiencies of cavity coupled bolometers. We consider typical single mode and multi-mode examples that illustrate the power of the technique.
Astronomical observations in the far-infrared are critical for investigation of cosmic microwave ... more Astronomical observations in the far-infrared are critical for investigation of cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation and the formation and evolution of planets, stars and galaxies. In the case of space telescope receivers a strong heritage exists for corrugated horn antenna feeds to couple the far-infrared signals to the detectors mounted in a waveguide or cavity structure. Such antenna feeds have been utilized, for example, in the Planck satellite in both single-mode channels for the observation of the CMB and the multi-mode channels optimized for the detection of foreground sources. Looking to the demands of the future space missions, it is clear that the development of new technology solutions for the optimization and simplification of horn antenna structures will be required for large arrays. Horn antennas will continue to offer excellent control of beam and polarization properties for CMB polarisation experiments satisfying stringent requirements on low sidelobe levels, symmetry and low cross polarization in large arrays. Similarly for mid infrared systems multi-mode waveguide structures will give high throughput to reach the required sensitivities. In this paper we present a computationally efficient approach for modelling and optimising horn characteristics. We investigate smooth-walled profiled horns that have a performance equivalent to that of the corrugated horns traditionally used for CMB measurements. We discuss the horn optimisation process and the algorithms available to maximise performance of a merit parameter such as low cross polarisation or high Gaussicity.
The planet Uranus is one of two ice giants in the solar system, both of which have only been visi... more The planet Uranus is one of two ice giants in the solar system, both of which have only been visited only once by the Voyager 2 spacecraft. Ice giants represent a fundamental class of planet, and in fact, many known exoplanets fall in this category. Therefore, a dedicated mission to an ice giant is crucial to deepen our understanding of the formation, evolution and current characteristics of such planetary and exoplanetary systems. Here we present the results of a detailed study of a mission to investigate the Uranus system as an archetype for ice giants. Our detailed trade-off study has resulted in a mission configuration consisting of an orbiter with a deep atmospheric probe and an extensive orbital tour of the main moons of the Uranus system.
Terahertz, RF, Millimeter, and Submillimeter-Wave Technology and Applications VI, 2013
Astronomical observations in the far-infrared are critical for investigation of cosmic microwave ... more Astronomical observations in the far-infrared are critical for investigation of cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation and the formation and evolution of planets, stars and galaxies. In the case of space telescope receivers a strong heritage exists for corrugated horn antenna feeds to couple the far-infrared signals to the detectors mounted in a waveguide or cavity structure. Such antenna feeds have been utilized, for example, in the Planck satellite in both single-mode channels for the observation of the CMB and the multi-mode channels optimized for the detection of foreground sources. Looking to the demands of the future space missions, it is clear that the development of new technology solutions for the optimization and simplification of horn antenna structures will be required for large arrays. Horn antennas will continue to offer excellent control of beam and polarization properties for CMB polarisation experiments satisfying stringent requirements on low sidelobe levels, symmetry and low cross polarization in large arrays. Similarly for mid infrared systems multi-mode waveguide structures will give high throughput to reach the required sensitivities. In this paper we present a computationally efficient approach for modelling and optimising horn characteristics. We investigate smooth-walled profiled horns that have a performance equivalent to that of the corrugated horns traditionally used for CMB measurements. We discuss the horn optimisation process and the algorithms available to maximise performance of a merit parameter such as low cross polarisation or high Gaussicity.
Fourier Transform Spectroscopy and Hyperspectral Imaging and Sounding of the Environment, 2015
ABSTRACT The progress and results of the ongoing FP7-FISICA programme to re-asses the scientific ... more ABSTRACT The progress and results of the ongoing FP7-FISICA programme to re-asses the scientific goals of a Far-Infrared Space Interfereometer and push the development of some of its key technology elements are reported.
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Conference Proceedings / Publications by Colm Bracken
Papers by Colm Bracken