In preparation for the Wideband Sensitivity Upgrade (WSU) programme, a team lead by Faouzi Boussaha from the Instrumental Research and Development group at LUX – Paris Observatory (France) has started a new ALMA development study to contribute to the development of the next generation of SIS (Superconductor–Insulator–Superconductor) detectors for ALMA's Band 9. The goal of the study is to double the instantaneous IF bandwidth and significantly increase the sensitivity, requiring a new generation of ultra-sensitive detector elements known as SIS junctions. Specifically, the study plans to use the Aluminium Oxide technology but will investigate new substrates such as silicon on insulator.
Kick-off for a new study on SIS development for Band 9
Published: 19 May 2026
Participants from ESO, Max-Planck institute (ESAC observer), LUX- Paris Observatory, NOVA-University of Greningen at the kick-off meeting held at Paris Observatory on 20 April 2026.
The kick-off meeting, held on 20 April 2026 at Paris Observatory, brought together the ESO team and the three partners: LUX, the Astrophysics Department at Oxford University (UK) and the University of Groningen / NOVA (Netherlands). These partners have highly complementary roles, with the University of Oxford in charge of the design of the SIS junctions, the LUX team defining the fabrication process and producing the SIS devices, and NOVA responsible for their characterization.
This study is expected to improve the receiver's performance, with ambitious goals for high sensitivity across wider RF and IF bandwidths. See you in three years for the final results!
Contributed by Carlos de Breuck