The KISS Experiment

Mapping millimetre continuum emission has become a key issue in modern multi-wavelength astrophysics. In particular, spectrum imaging at low-frequency resolution is an asset for characterising the clusters of galaxies via the Sunyaev–Zel’dovich effect. In this context, we have built a ground-based spectrum-imager named KIDs Interferometer Spectrum Survey (KISS). This instrument is based on two 316-pixel arrays of Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KID) cooled to 150 mK by a custom dilution refrigerator-based cryostat. By using Ti–Al and Al absorbers, we can cover a wide frequency range between 80 and 300 GHz. In order to preserve a large instantaneous field of view $$\sim 1^\circ $$, the spectrometer is based on a Fourier transform interferometer. This represents a technological challenge due to the fast scanning speed that is needed to overcome the effects of background atmospheric fluctuations. KISS is installed at the QUIJOTE 2.25 m telescope in Tenerife since February 2019 and is currently in its commissioning phase. In this report, we present an overview of the instrument and the latest results.