Transition edge sensor arrays for high-energy X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy

Hard X-ray imaging spectroscopy with NuSTAR has provided new insights into a broad range of astrophysical phenomena. Several technological breakthroughs enable an extremely powerful follow-up mission. Members of our team fabricated a 256-pixel transition edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeter array with microwave multiplexed superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) readout. The excellent energy resolution (55 eV Full Width Half Maximum, FWHM) all the way up to 100 keV is about 20 times better than the CZT detectors used on NuSTAR. Used on a balloon-borne or space-based observatory these detectors enable exciting new gamma-ray spectroscopy measurements. We propose a 3-year detector development program with the goal of developing focal plane instrumentation for a next-generation hard X-ray telescope up to 100 keV. Building on recent progress in the development of TES gamma-ray detectors and readout systems, we will: develop a detector array with thicker absorbing structures to enhance quantum efficiency; optimize the TES design in order to improve energy resolution; and develop a method to attach absorbers to the TES using metal bonding in order to improve the response time of the detectors. We will also carry out proof-of-concept experiments as a first step to developing an entirely new method of TES absorber fabrication using electroforming of the absorbing structures. These developments will be accompanied by a rigorous test program to evaluate energy resolution and spatial uniformity of the devices, linearity of the energy response, and signal timing. We envision to follow up on the work presented here with a proposal for a full-size balloon-borne hard X-ray prototype telescope that will not only be used to flight-test the detectors developed here, but also deliver exciting new scientific results from observations of the Ti-44 lines in Cassiopeia A.

The Astrophysics Research and Analysis program (APRA) supports suborbital and suborbital-class investigations, development of detectors and supporting technology, laboratory astrophysics, and limited ground based observing. Basic research proposals in these areas are solicited for investigations that are relevant to NASA's programs in astronomy and astrophysics, including the entire range of photons, gravitational waves, and particle astrophysics. The emphasis of this solicitation is on technologies and investigations that advance NASA astrophysics missions and goals.

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