Development of the Multi-pixel X-ray Microcalorimeters

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We are developing a multi-pixel x-ray microcalorimeters in order to realize good energy resolution x-ray imaging for future Japanese X-ray astronomy missions. The energy resolutions of 10eV at 6keV and 32×32 pixels of arrayed x-ray microcalorimeters are required for this purpose. The advantages of x-ray microcalorimeters are clear compared with common x-ray sensors. The most popular x-ray imaging spectrometer is an x-ray CCD. The energy resolution of an x-ray CCD is theoretically limited to ~120eV at 6keV. A grating is usually used as a good energy resolution spectrometer particularly below 1~2eV. However the efficiency of the grating is poor. An x-ray microcalorimeter is fabricated and tested. A superconducting phase transition edge sensor is applied for the x-ray microcalorimeter. The energy resolution of 34 eV at 6keV incident x-ray photon is obtained under 151mk of operating temperature. Details of the x-ray microcalorimeter, signal processing and the latest progress will be presented.

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Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Technical Proceedings of the 2003 Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 1
Published: February 23, 2003
Pages: 436 - 439
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: MEMS & NEMS Devices, Modeling & Applications
ISBN: 0-9728422-0-9