Towards large format bolometer arrays

The era of precision cosmology is now said to be upon us; where a wealth of recent high quality observations have allowed us to test and distinguish between models and theories describing many aspects of our universe. Many of these discoveries have been driven by improvements in technology; especially in regards to detector technology. Near and distant future science objectives - particularly the search for B-mode polarization anisotropy in the CMB for its unique window into the inflationary era - will require the development of large kilo-pixel size arrays of background limited detectors. This dissertation describes a research effort at UCSB to incorporate normal metal - insulator - superconductor (NIS) tunnel junctions into large bolometer arrays for future astrophysics experiments. Device fabrication and testing is described as well as the development and testing of various supporting technologies including 3He adsorption fridges, low noise readout electronics and various optical components.