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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Cassiopeia A is a bright, nearby supernova remnant. It is unique in that it is the only known supernova remnant in which Ti-44 has been directly observed, but it is well understood that Ti-44 plays a key role in supernova dynamics. We observe the presence of Ti-44 in Cassiopeia A via hard X-ray spectral lines that arise from nuclear decay processes. The position distribution of Ti-44 was first imaged by the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescopic Array (NuSTAR) in 2012, but we now seek more fine-grained velocity information about the Ti-44 distribution. This will be critical for furthering our knowledge of the Cassiopeia A supernova dynamics and, more broadly, the formation of heavy elements in our universe. We propose the development of phonon-mediated and superconducting kinetic inductance detector (KID) technology as a means to achieve world-leading resolution in hard X-ray spectroscopy. This nascent technology requires dedicated research and development to reach the expected sub-0.1 keV FWHM resolution, an order of magnitude better than the detectors used in NuSTAR. My contribution to this effort will include designing, fabricating, and testing a KID device that could be loaded into a NuSTAR-like telescope; improving the fundamental limitation on our energy resolution by testing and implementing a quantum-noise-limited cryogenic amplifier into our readout electronics; and optimizing the material makeup of our devices by leveraging the unique physical properties of superconductors. In these ways, I hope to bring clarity to our understanding of Cassiopeia A and other supernova remnants in our never-ending efforts to explore the final frontier.
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