Abstract
A miniaturized low-noise metal-film bolometer detector array capable of recording radiation spanning a wide spectral range is presented. The bolometers consist of structured gold layers coated with a black nickel layer to reduce the reflectivity in the long-wavelength range. Investigation of the device`s photoresponse showed sufficient sensitivity at wavelengths lambda =4 mm to 6 AA. The detector unit meets high-vacuum requirements, is bakeable up to 300 degrees C, can withstand high nuclear radiation doses, is insensitive to thermal and electromagnetic interferences and can be operated in high magnetic fields. The cooling time of the bolometer is determined by its thermal properties, being about 70 ms in air. The device has meanwhile been successfully used in a few fusion plasma experiments.