Samba
Superconducting Antenna-coupled Multi-frequency Bolometric Array — The next generation of sub-millimeter detector technology

Overview:

SAMBA is a multipixel, multiband instrument for imaging sub-millimeter wavelength radiation. Using superconducting microstrip technology (in some ways similar to that used in cell phones), we are developing a compact antenna array that will form a polarization-sensitive focal plane. SAMBA will be used to do multiband CMB polarimetry that is more sensitive than state-of-the-art technologies. One of the greatest advantages to SAMBA is the elimination of the large sub-K feedhorn optics required by other CMB missions (e.g. Plank, HSO), which comprise >95% of the sub-K focal plane mass. SAMBA is much less massive, therefore easier to fly!