KID

A KID (for kinetic inductance detector) is an electronic device generally used to detect light and other electromagnetic radiation, like a CCD but more sensitive, at the expense of having to be cooled to 1 K. They make use of the kinetic inductance effect, a superconductivity effect whereby absorbed photons increase inductance. They were first developed in 2003 and a primary application is for astronomical instruments. Millimeter to X-rays are considered possible. Some types:

• MKID (for microwave KID) a type utilizing a tiny antenna, suited to the millimeter range.
• LEKID (for lumped element KID).
• tKID (for thermal KID aka resonator-bolometer KID).

KIDs are an alternative to transition edge sensor (TES) bolometers.