Instrumentation
The basic concept of LiteBIRD is as follows:
- 1) Design a satellite optimized for CMB polarization B mode detection on large angle scales. Without compromise on sensitivity, verify definitely the focused target.
- 2) Design a lightweight, compact satellite without requiring angular resolution of less than 1 degree. This will increase the chance of launch.
Major specifications are shown below:
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Observation duration | 3 years |
| Orbit | Sun–Earth L2 |
| Cooling system | Similarly to pre-cooling method of infrared astronomical satellite SPICA, use radiative cooling and mechanical refrigerators (Stirling and JT) without cryogen. Cool in space after launch. CCDR or ADR is used to cool the focal plane down to 0.1 K. |
| Focal-plane detector | Multi-chroic superconducting detector (TES) array with more than 3000 bolometers |
| Sensitivity | 3 micro-Kelvin x arcmin |
| Observing frequencies | 15 bands between 34 and 448 GHz |
| Modulation | Satellite spin and half-wave-plate modulation |