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Advances in Small Pixel TES-Based X-Ray Microcalorimeter Arrays for Solar Physics and AstrophysicsWe 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 approximately 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 with single 65-micron absorbers on a 7s-micron pitch, as well 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 these devices for new astrophysics mission concepts.
Document ID
20120011612
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Bandler, S. R. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Adams, J. S. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Bailey, C. N.
Busch, S. E. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Chervenak, J. A. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Eckart, M. E. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Ewin, A. E.
Finkbeiner, F. M. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Kelley, R. L. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Kelly, D. P. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Kilbourne, C. A. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Porst, J.-P. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Porter, F. S. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Sadleir, J. E. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Smith, S. J. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Wassell, E. J. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 26, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2012
Subject Category
Instrumentation And Photography
Report/Patent Number
GSFC.ABS.01038.2012
Meeting Information
Meeting: Applied Superconductivity Conference
Location: Portland, OR
Country: United States
Start Date: October 7, 2012
End Date: October 11, 2012
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NNH06CC03B
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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