Hello
Costanza Bellucci
Ph.D. Student in Physics, Sapienza University of Rome and INFN
About Me
I am a second-year Ph.D. student in Physics at Sapienza University of Rome and the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN). I obtained both my B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees with honors from Sapienza University. My academic background spans millimeter-wave spectroscopy, detector physics, radio astronomy instrumentation, and data analysis, with a particular focus on experimental techniques for astrophysical and cosmological applications.
My research activity is focused on the development, design, and characterization of an on-chip Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) based on Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KIDs). The project aims to realize a compact, scalable, and high-sensitivity spectrometer with a design that can be optimized for a range of applications, from Earth observation and atmospheric monitoring to astrophysical and cosmological investigations, including Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) and Line-Intensity Mapping (LIM) studies. The on-chip approach enables a robust and flexible architecture that is naturally suited for large detector arrays and space-qualified instrumentation.
Within the framework of Spoke 3 of Space It Up!, this work contributes to the development of the next-generation sub-millimeter on-chip spectrometers for space-based Earth observation. This activity bridges science-driven requirements, such as the identification of key atmospheric species and optimal spectral bands, with instrument-level specifications, including spectral resolution, sensitivity, and spectral coverage.
I am developing a W-band (75–110 GHz) prototype fabricated on a silicon substrate with niobium (Nb) microstrip lines and coupled to a titanium-aluminum (Ti-Al) coplanar waveguide KID. The architecture integrates a planar twin-slot antenna for radiation coupling, an interferometric FTS module comprising a power splitter, phase shifter, and combiner, and a superconducting detection stage. This prototype serves as a technological demonstrator toward compact, cryogenic-compatible instruments for space-based monitoring of atmospheric composition and environmental pollutants. The design is conceived to be scalable to higher frequency bands (120–170 GHz and 190–240 GHz), extending its applicability to a broader range of scientific and environmental observations.
My work combines advanced electromagnetic simulations with the study of superconducting thin films, particularly niobium, to optimize impedance matching, minimize losses, and ensure reproducibility under cryogenic operating conditions.
The W-band on-chip FTS design is nearing completion, and prototype fabrication is underway. Upcoming activities include cryogenic characterization to validate the antenna-KID coupling efficiency and spectral response. This will be followed by full calibration and an on-sky performance assessment, with the long-term objective of demonstrating readiness for future balloon-borne or satellite missions.
Click here for more information and here to view my poster.
My research activity is focused on the development, design, and characterization of an on-chip Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) based on Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KIDs). The project aims to realize a compact, scalable, and high-sensitivity spectrometer with a design that can be optimized for a range of applications, from Earth observation and atmospheric monitoring to astrophysical and cosmological investigations, including Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) and Line-Intensity Mapping (LIM) studies. The on-chip approach enables a robust and flexible architecture that is naturally suited for large detector arrays and space-qualified instrumentation.
Within the framework of Spoke 3 of Space It Up!, this work contributes to the development of the next-generation sub-millimeter on-chip spectrometers for space-based Earth observation. This activity bridges science-driven requirements, such as the identification of key atmospheric species and optimal spectral bands, with instrument-level specifications, including spectral resolution, sensitivity, and spectral coverage.
I am developing a W-band (75–110 GHz) prototype fabricated on a silicon substrate with niobium (Nb) microstrip lines and coupled to a titanium-aluminum (Ti-Al) coplanar waveguide KID. The architecture integrates a planar twin-slot antenna for radiation coupling, an interferometric FTS module comprising a power splitter, phase shifter, and combiner, and a superconducting detection stage. This prototype serves as a technological demonstrator toward compact, cryogenic-compatible instruments for space-based monitoring of atmospheric composition and environmental pollutants. The design is conceived to be scalable to higher frequency bands (120–170 GHz and 190–240 GHz), extending its applicability to a broader range of scientific and environmental observations.
My work combines advanced electromagnetic simulations with the study of superconducting thin films, particularly niobium, to optimize impedance matching, minimize losses, and ensure reproducibility under cryogenic operating conditions.
The W-band on-chip FTS design is nearing completion, and prototype fabrication is underway. Upcoming activities include cryogenic characterization to validate the antenna-KID coupling efficiency and spectral response. This will be followed by full calibration and an on-sky performance assessment, with the long-term objective of demonstrating readiness for future balloon-borne or satellite missions.
Click here for more information and here to view my poster.