Microwave SQUID readout technology development for future X-ray astrophysics missions

Microwave SQUID multiplexing (umux) provides the best opportunity to achieve the low noise levels and large readout bandwidth necessary for future NASA X-ray microcalorimeter missions. We propose to develop robust and scalable integration of umux devices with the X-ray focal planes, by designing, fabricating, and testing new microwave SQUID multiplexers that have a reduced footprint, are integrated into the X-ray focal plane via indium bump bonds, and use back side metallization of the chip to effectively enclose it in its own grounded cage, shielding it from the external microwave environment. This work should enable a large-format X-ray focal plane assembly to advance to TRL 5 ahead a potential transition into a potential Great Observatories Mission and Technology Maturation Program in the second half of this decade. Additionally, we propose to leverage our group's existing time-division SQUID multiplexing development for Athena and the other work in this proposal, to deliver time-division multiplexer designs suitable for integration into the focal plane of a Probe or Explorer class x-ray mission.

The Strategic Astrophysics Technology program (SAT) supports focused development efforts for key technologies to the point at which they are ready to feed into major missions in the three science themes of the Astrophysics Division: Exoplanet Exploration, Cosmic Origins, and the Physics of the Cosmos. This program is specifically designed to address middle technology readiness level (TRL) "gaps" between levels 3 and 6: the maturation of technologies that have been established as feasible, but which are not yet sufficiently mature to incorporate into flight missions without introducing an unacceptable level of risk. NASA does not require a data management plan for proposals to SAT.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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