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First light observations of the 280-GHz instrument module of the Fred Young Submillimeter Telescope in the CCAT Collaboration are expected in 2026. The focal plane of this module will consist of three superconducting microwave kinetic inductance detector (MKID) arrays: two aluminum-based arrays and one titanium nitride array with a similar layout. We have designed, microfabricated, assembled, and characterized a large-format aluminum-based MKID array. The responsivity of the detectors matches design expectation and scales at various optical loading levels as expected for aluminum. We have determined the internal quality factors and optical efficiency of the detectors, feedhorn beam shape, and the detector band pass. The detectors are photon noise limited with the majority of the noise being white photon noise down to 1 Hz. The array matches simulated expectations and is ready for sensitive astronomical observations for CCAT. Certain commercial equipment, instruments, or materials are identified in this paper to specify the experimental procedure adequately. Such identification is not intended to imply recommendation or endorsement by NIST, nor is it intended to imply that the materials or equipment identified are necessarily the best available for the purpose. 

Abstract We present a detailed overview of the science goals and predictions for the Prime-Cam direct-detection camera–spectrometer being constructed by the CCAT-prime collaboration for dedicated use on the Fred Young Submillimeter Telescope (FYST). The FYST is a wide-field, 6 m aperture submillimeter telescope being built (first light in late 2023) by an international consortium of institutions led by Cornell University and sited at more than 5600 m on Cerro Chajnantor in northern Chile. Prime-Cam is one of two instruments planned for FYST and will provide unprecedented spectroscopic and broadband measurement capabilities to address important astrophysical questions ranging from Big Bang cosmology through reionization and the formation of the first galaxies to star formation within our own Milky Way. Prime-Cam on the FYST will have a mapping speed that is over 10 times greater than existing and near-term facilities for high-redshift science and broadband polarimetric imaging at frequencies above 300 GHz. We describe details of the science program enabled by this system and our preliminary survey strategies.