Microcalorimeter Arrays for X-ray Astrophysics: Astro-H SXS and TES Detector Development

High-resolution X-ray spectroscopy is a powerful tool for probing the high-energy Universe. We are developing instruments and detector technologies for future x-ray observatories using microcalorimeters, a type of x-ray detector designed for very high energy resolution. These instruments will enable non-dispersive imaging spectroscopy over the soft x-ray band (~0.3-12 keV), allowing spectroscopy of spatially extended sources and providing excellent energy resolution across the bandpass (<5 eV FWHM at E~6 keV).

Microcalorimeters consist of an x-ray absorber, a sensitive thermometer, and a weak link to a thermal bath.  The energy of a single incoming photon raises the temperature of the absorber and the resulting change is measured precisely by the thermometer before the absorber cools through the weak link.  I will describe our detector arrays that utilize superconducting transition-edge sensors (TESs), a technology that can be used not only for x-ray astrophysics but for applications across the electromagnetic spectrum  (e.g., for sub-mm/infrared bolometers).  I will present our state-of-the-art results from kilo-pixel arrays designed for future x-ray missions (IXO?) and a novel device optimization that has achieved unprecedented spectral performance (dE=1.3 eV at 1.5 keV and 1.6 eV at 6 keV). In addition, I will discuss our upcoming flight projects, including the Soft X-ray Spectrometer for Astro-H (launch 2014) and the Micro-X Sounding Rocket Experiment.