2,388 research outputs found
Development of frequency domain multiplexing for the X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) on the Athena
We are developing the frequency domain multiplexing (FDM) read-out of
transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeters for the X-ray Integral Field
Unit (X-IFU) instrument on board of the future European X-Ray observatory
Athena. The X-IFU instrument consists of an array of 3840 TESs with a
high quantum efficiency (90 \%) and spectral resolution =2.5 eV
7 keV (2800). FDM is currently the baseline readout system
for the X-IFU instrument. Using high quality factor LC filters and room
temperature electronics developed at SRON and low-noise two stage SQUID
amplifiers provided by VTT, we have recently demonstrated good performance with
the FDM readout of Mo/Au TES calorimeters with Au/Bi absorbers. An integrated
noise equivalent power resolution of about 2.0 eV at 1.7 MHz has been
demonstrated with a pixel from a new TES array from NASA/Goddard (GSFC-A2). We
have achieved X-ray energy resolutions 2.5 eV at AC bias frequency at 1.7
MHz in the single pixel read-out. We have also demonstrated for the first time
an X-ray energy resolution around 3.0 eV in a 6 pixel FDM read-out with TES
array (GSFC-A1). In this paper we report on the single pixel performance of
these microcalorimeters under MHz AC bias, and further results of the
performance of these pixels under FDM.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures, Proceedings of the SPIE Astronomical
Instrumentation "Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2014: Ultraviolet to
Gamma Ray
Report of the x ray and gamma ray sensors panel
Overall five major areas of technology are recommended for development in order to meet the science requirements of the Astrotech 21 mission set. These are: detectors for high resolution gamma ray spectroscopy, cryogenic detectors for improved x ray spectral and spatial resolution, advanced x ray charge coupled devices (CCDs) for higher energy resolution and larger format, extension to higher energies, liquid and solid position sensitive detectors for improving stopping power in the energy range 5 to 500 keV and 0.2 to 2 MeV. Development plans designed to achieve the desired capabilities on the time scales required by the technology freeze dates have been recommended in each of these areas
Multiabsorber Transition-Edge Sensors for X-Ray Astronomy
We are developing arrays of position-sensitive microcalorimeters for future x-ray astronomy applications. These position-sensitive devices commonly referred to as hydras consist of multiple x-ray absorbers, each with a different thermal coupling to a single-transition-edge sensor microcalorimeter. Their development is motivated by a desire to achieve very large pixel arrays with some modest compromise in performance. We report on the design, optimization, and first results from devices with small pitch pixels (<75 m) being developed for a high-angular and energy resolution imaging spectrometer for Lynx. The Lynx x-ray space telescope is a flagship mission concept under study for the National Academy of Science 2020 decadal survey. Broadband full-width-half-maximum (FWHM) resolution measurements on a 9-pixel hydra have demonstrated E(FWHM) = 2.23 0.14 eV at Al-K, E(FWHM) = 2.44 0.29 eV at Mn-K, and E(FWHM) = 3.39 0.23 eV at Cu-K. Position discrimination is demonstrated to energies below <1 keV and the device performance is well-described by a finite-element model. Results from a prototype 20-pixel hydra with absorbers on a 50-m pitch have shown E(FWHM) = 3.38 0.20 eV at Cr-K1. We are now optimizing designs specifically for Lynx and extending the number of absorbers up to 25/hydra. Numerical simulation suggests optimized designs could achieve 3 eV while being compatible with the bandwidth requirements of the state-of-the art multiplexed readout schemes, thus making a 100,000 pixel microcalorimeter instrument a realistic goal
DIOS: the dark baryon exploring mission
DIOS (Diffuse Intergalactic Oxygen Surveyor) is a small satellite aiming for
a launch around 2020 with JAXA's Epsilon rocket. Its main aim is a search for
warm-hot intergalactic medium with high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy of
redshifted emission lines from OVII and OVIII ions. The superior energy
resolution of TES microcalorimeters combined with a very wide field of view
(30--50 arcmin diameter) will enable us to look into gas dynamics of cosmic
plasmas in a wide range of spatial scales from Earth's magnetosphere to
unvirialized regions of clusters of galaxies. Mechanical and thermal design of
the spacecraft and development of the TES calorimeter system are described. We
also consider revising the payload design to optimize the scientific capability
allowed by the boundary conditions of the small mission.Comment: 10 pages, 11 figures, Proceedings of the SPIE Astronomical
Instrumentation : Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2014: Ultraviolet to
Gamma Ra
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