Microwave SQUID multiplexing for the Lynx x-ray microcalorimeter

125

Lynx, one of the four strategic mission concepts under study for the 2020 Astrophysics Decadal Survey, provides leaps in capability over previous and planned x-ray missions and provides synergistic observations in the 2030s to a multitude of space-and ground-based observatories across all wavelengths. Lynx provides orders of magnitude improvement in sensitivity, on-axis subarcsecond imaging with arcsecond angular resolution over a large field of view, and high-resolution spectroscopy for point-like and extended sources in the 0.2-to 10-keV range. The Lynx architecture enables a broad range of unique and compelling science to be carried out mainly through a General Observer Program. This program is envisioned to include detecting the very first seed black holes, revealing the high-energy drivers of galaxy formation and evolution, and characterizing the mechanisms that govern stellar evolution and stellar ecosystems. The Lynx optics and science instruments are carefully designed to optimize the science capability and, when combined, form an exciting architecture that utilizes relatively mature technologies for a cost that is compatible with the projected NASA Astrophysics budget. © The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Unported License. Distribution or reproduction of this work in whole or in part requires full attribution of the original publication, including its DOI.

Section: Designing An Observatorymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…All LXM elements are detailed in multiple papers of this section, as is a comprehensive overview of this ambitious, yet highly feasible instrument. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20] 3 Lynx Mission…”

Section: Lynx X-ray Microcalorimetermentioning

confidence: 99%

Lynx X-Ray Observatory: an overview

Gaskin

Swartz

Vikhlinin

et al. 2019

125

“…The Irwin Laboratory at Stanford will also continue to develop microwave read-out technology, investigating a number of innovative ways to ease and improve the microwave readout for the LXM using techniques called spread spectrum sharing and frequency tone tracking. 14,41 5 Cooling System…”

Section: Current Technical Readiness Level Of the Readoutmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lynx x-ray microcalorimeter

Bandler

Chervenak

Datesman

et al. 2019

Self Cite

Lynx is an x-ray telescope, one of four large satellite mission concepts currently being studied by NASA to be a flagship mission. One of Lynx's three instruments is an imaging spectrometer called the Lynx x-ray microcalorimeter (LXM), an x-ray microcalorimeter behind an x-ray optic with an angular resolution of 0.5 arc sec and ∼2 m 2 of area at 1 keV. The LXM will provide unparalleled diagnostics of distant extended structures and, in particular, will allow the detailed study of the role of cosmic feedback in the evolution of the Universe. We discuss the baseline design of LXM and some parallel approaches for some of the key technologies. The baseline sensor technology uses transition-edge sensors, but we also consider an alternative approach using metallic magnetic calorimeters. We discuss the requirements for the instrument, the pixel layout, and the baseline readout design, which uses microwave superconducting quantum interference devices and high-electron mobility transistor amplifiers and the cryogenic cooling requirements and strategy for meeting these requirements. For each of these technologies, we discuss the current technology readiness level and our strategy for advancing them to be ready for flight. We also describe the current system design, including the block diagram, and our estimate for the mass, power, and data rate of the instrument.

“…The μ-Mux and associated room temperature electronics technology development for LXM are discussed in detail elsewhere. 39,40…”

Section: Optimization For Lxmmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multiabsorber transition-edge sensors for x-ray astronomy

Smith

Adams

Bandler

et al. 2019

Self Cite

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 μm) 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 ΔE FWHM ¼ 2.23 AE 0.14 eV at Al-K α , ΔE FWHM ¼ 2.44 AE 0.29 eV at Mn-K α , and ΔE FWHM ¼ 3.39 AE 0.23 eV at Cu-K α. 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-μm pitch have shown ΔE FWHM ¼ 3.38 AE 0.20 eV at Cr-K α1. 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.