Advances in Small Pixel TES-Based X-Ray Microcalorimeter Arrays for Solar Physics and Astrophysics

Abstract

We are developing small-pixel transition-edge-sensor (TES) for solar physics and astrophysics applications. These large format close-packed arrays are fabricated on solid silicon substrates and are designed to accommodate count-rates of up to a few hundred counts/pixel/second at a FWHM energy resolution -2 eV at 6 keV. We have fabricated versions that utilize narrow-line planar and stripline wiring. We present measurements of the performance and uniformity of kilo-pixel arrays, incorporating TESs I1Hh single 65-micron absorbers on a 7s-micron pitch, as wen as versions with more than one absorber attached to the TES, 4-absorber and 9-absorber "Hydras". We have also fabricated a version of this detector optimized for lower energies and lower count-rate applications. These devices have a lower superconducting transition temperature and are operated just above the 40mK heat sink temperature. This results in a lower heat capacity and low thermal conductance to the heat sink. With individual single pixels of this type we have achieved a FWHM energy resolution of 0.9 eV with 1.5 keV Al K x-rays, to our knowledge the first x-ray microcalorimeter with sub-eV energy resolution. The 4-absorber and 9-absorber versions of this type achieved FWHM energy resolutions of 1.4 eV and 2.1 eV at 1.5 keV respectively. We will discuss the application of the se devices for new astrophysics mission concepts.https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20120011612 2018-05-12T07:47:57+00:00Z

Transition-Edge Sensor Microcalorimeters for X-ray Beamline Science

“…Single TESs have demonstrated energy resolutions of 0.9 eV full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) at 1.5 keV and 1.6 eV FWHM at 6 keV [2]. This quality of energy resolution is sufficient not only to resolve essentially all elemental X-ray overlaps but also to observe a wealth of chemical detail in X-ray spectra.…”

Spectroscopic Measurement of Pu L X-rays Emitted by 244Cm Source with a TES Microcalorimeter

“…Recently several types of transition edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeters have been developed for X-ray and gamma-ray spectroscopy and exhibited more than 10 times better energy resolution than that of typical semiconductor detectors [1] [2]. We had previously developed a TES microcalorimeter with a mushroom-shaped absorber for spectroscopic measurements of L X-rays emitted by TRU elements [3].…”

Characterization of Polycapillary Optics Installed in an Analytical Electron Microscope

“…A microcalorimeter with a superconducting transition edge sensor (TES) is a next-generation EDS detector with superior energy resolution [1]. Recently, TES microcalorimeters have demonstrated energy resolutions of 0.9 eV at 1.5 keV and 1.6 eV at 5.9 keV [2]. The TES microcalorimeter system has been further developed to improve the energy resolution of EDS systems for use with TEMs [3].…”