High optical efficiency and photon noise limited sensitivity of microwave kinetic inductance detectors using phase readout

We demonstrate photon noise limited performance in both phase and amplitude readout in microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKIDs) consisting of NbTiN and Al, down to 100 fW of optical power. We simulate the far field beam pattern of the lens- antenna system used to couple radiation into the MKID and derive an aperture efficiency of 75%. This is close to the theoretical maximum of 80% for a single- moded detector. The beam patterns are verified by a detailed analysis of the optical coupling within our measurement setup. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.