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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
We propose to develop a novel detector to enable a new class of far-IR spectroscopic surveys. Achievable sensitivity for these devices is roughly 2 orders of magnitude better than current devices. By reducing detection times by a factor of 10 000, the IIB enables rapid surveys of cosmological volumes to leapfrog the performance of planned missions.
This effort will continue a promising technology research thrust, but clearly will require further development to achieve a fully functioning IIB. The ROSES call will be applied to for funding to develop an IIB array. Success in in demonstrating a proof-of-principle, low conductance bolometer with an integrated heat switch will make the IIB a strong contender for ROSES funding. Further development will involve integrating the array into a cryogenic, dispersive far-IR spectrometer. At the next level of integration, the spectrometer instrument would be part of a cryogenic, far-IR observatory. The nearest-term opportunity would be on a balloon mission.
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