We present a characterization bench of a complete photonics correlation scheme for mid-infrared heterodyne interferometry. The bench can handle very high bandwidths RF signals generated by the heterodyne beating of celestial light with a local oscillator on future generation mid-infrared detectors. The bench is composed of a first two-beam stage allowing the mixing of the "science" source with the local oscillator and a second photonics correlation stage made with telecom components. We present the first experimental proof of concept. Two possible photonics correlation concepts including a patented double loop correlation are introduced.
One of the major challenges of mid-infrared astronomical heterodyne interferometry is its sensitivity limitations. Detectors capable of handling several 10 GHz bandwidths have been identified as key building blocks of future instruments. Intersubband detectors based on heterostructures have recently demonstrated their ability to provide such performances. In this work we characterize a Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector in terms of noise, dynamic range and bandwidth in a non-interferometric heterodyne set-up. We discuss the possibility to use them on astronomical systems to measure the beating between the local oscillator and the astronomical signal.
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