The X-ray sky in high time resolution holds the key to a number of observables related to fundamental physics, inaccessible to other types of investigations, such as imaging, spectroscopy and polarimetry. Strong gravity effects, the measurement of the mass of black holes and neutron stars, the equation of state of ultradense matter are among the objectives of such observations. The prospects for future, non-focused X-ray timing experiments after the exciting age of RXTE/PCA are very uncertain, mostly due to the technological limitations that need to be faced to realize experiments with effective areas in the range of several square meters, meeting the scientific requirements. We are developing large-area monolithic Silicon drift detectors offering high time and energy resolution at room temperature, with modest resources and operation complexity (e.g., read-out) per unit area. Based on the properties of the detector and read-out electronics we measured in laboratory, we built a concept for a realistic unprecedented large mission devoted to X-ray timing in the energy range 2-30 keV. We show that effective areas in the range of 10-15 square meters are within reach, by using a conventional spacecraft platform and launcher
Arrays of transition-edge sensors (TESs) X-ray microcalorimeters can provide high energy resolution and a large area necessary for the future X-ray mission Athena (2028∼). An array with 4000 TESs will be employed on the X-ray satellite for the first time. The detector can achieve energy resolution of 2.5-3.0 eV and a high quantum efficiency in the energy range of 0.3-12 keV. Multiplexing the readout is necessary to minimize the number of readout amplifiers, the amount of wiring in the cryostat, and the cooling power required at the base-temperature. We are developing frequency-domain multiplexing (FDM) readout of TES microcalorimeters. In the FDM configuration, the TES is ac voltage biased at well-defined frequencies (between 2 and 6 MHz). For the development of the readout of the Athena instrument, we are using a nearly quantum-limited high-dynamic-range two-stage superconducting quantum interference device amplifier from VTT and high-Q lithographical LC resonators. In this paper, we will present the current status of the development of FDM readout of TES microcalorimeters. We will report on the results obtained using arrays fabricated at the NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center group.
Large arrays of transition edge sensors (TESs) are the baseline for a number of future space observatories. For instance, the X-ray integral field unit (X-IFU) instrument on board the ATHENA space telescope will consist of $$\sim$$ ∼ 3000 TESs with high energy resolution ($$2\,{\mathrm{eV}}$$ 2 eV at X-ray energies up to 7 keV). In this contribution we report on the development of an X-ray TES array as a backup detector technology for X-IFU. The baseline readout technology for this mission is time domain multiplexing where the detectors are DC biased. Specifically, we report on the characterization of four different Ti/Au TESs with the following dimensions ($$\hbox {L}\times \hbox {W}$$ L × W ): $$30\times 15$$ 30 × 15 , $$30\times 30$$ 30 × 30 , $$50\times 25$$ 50 × 25 and $$50\times 50\,\mu \hbox {m}^2$$ 50 × 50 μ m 2 , all of which are coupled to a $$2.3\,\mu \hbox {m}$$ 2.3 μ m thick Au absorber of area $$240\times 240\,\mu \hbox {m}^2$$ 240 × 240 μ m 2 . We have performed our characterization using our standard frequency domain multiplexing readout connecting only pixels at low frequencies, where nonlinear effects due to the AC biasing are negligible. Promising energy resolution has been obtained, for instance $$1.78\pm 0.10\,\hbox {eV}$$ 1.78 ± 0.10 eV and $$1.75\pm 0.10\,\hbox {eV}$$ 1.75 ± 0.10 eV at 5.9 keV for the $$50\times 25$$ 50 × 25 and $$50\times 50\,\mu \hbox {m}^2$$ 50 × 50 μ m 2 detectors respectively. Uniformity over a kilo-pixel array (of detectors with the same geometry) has been also studied, confirming the high quality of our fabrication process.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.