Advanced X-Ray Microcalorimeters

We propose a 3-year program to continue our successful research in developing advanced microcalorimeter technologies for space and laboratory X-ray astrophysics. Microcalorimeter arrays are a critical technology for imaging spectroscopy instruments, and many mission concepts in formulation are predicated on the continued development of this technology. Our proposed research program has 3 sub-packages: (i) transition-edge sensor (TES) and (ii) metallic microcalorimeter (MMC) development for next generation space telescopes, and (iii) laboratory astrophysics. Together, our three sub-packages address critical science and technology needs highlighted in the recent Astro2020 Decadal Survey. Our TES and MMC development focuses on advancing detector and array technologies to meet the performance requirements for mission concepts such as NASA's proposed flagship Lynx. The Lynx X-ray Microcalorimeter (LXM) instrument concept couples a sub-arc second x-ray optic with a ~100,000-pixel array that incorporates high-resolution single-pixel and 25-pixel 'hydras' devices. A Lynx-like X-ray mission was endorsed by the decadal survey as one of the three new Great Observatories that should be a part of the technology maturation program this decade. In this program we propose to continue development of key technologies critical to achieving the extremely large format arrays necessary for missions such as Lynx, and investigate new focal-plane designs with the potential to provide further enhancement to capabilities of missions like Lynx. There exists a strong synergy between TES and MMC technologies we are developing. MMC and TES technologies have different technical advantages and disadvantages but share some common design elements and issues to overcome. Thus, the parallel development of these technologies towards common goals has proven highly cost efficient and successful. A major new part of our TES sub-package will be to develop a 16k-pixel array for a Probe concept called the Line Emission Mapper (LEM). In contrast with ESA's Athena and NASA's Lynx, LEM is optimized for large field-of-view (FOV) science below 2 keV. This focused effort leverages Athena X-IFU technology and will ensure we can achieve TRL-5 in time for the anticipated probe proposal submission in 10/2023. Our third sub-package is focused on developing microcalorimeter instruments for laboratory spectroscopy using advanced microcalorimeter technologies. The goal of this program is to benchmark atomic models and spectral synthesis codes, which are used for interpreting astrophysical data from existing and next generation X-ray observatories. This is achieved by observing laboratory generated astrophysical plasmas (at the LLNL-EBIT) with high resolution spectrometers, developed out of our spaceflight detector programs. New missions such as XRISM and Athena will provide through break-through improvements in spectral resolution and sensitivity. However, without accurate atomic data to test and benchmark models and provide known uncertainties, it will be difficult to achieve many of the science goals planned for these missions. In our renewal proposal we will support the operation of 4 spectrometer instruments. As part of this program, we will upgrade our EBIT Calorimeter Spectrometer (ECS) instrument from a liquid helium to a cryogen-free cryostat. We will also deliver a recently completed new spectrometer instrument that uses prototype Athena/X-IFU technology. This new state-of-the-art spectrometer will have 256 pixels with an energy resolution of 2 eV at 6 keV.

The Internal Scientist Funding Model (ISFM) is a recently established direct-funding model after 3 years of pilot program, now established as permanent, whereby APD funds technology development work by NASA scientists through a separate channel than competed programs like APRA. APD may find it advisable to directly fund certain technology-development projects, e.g., for programmatic reasons such as ensuring NASA meets commitments made to international partners including the European Space Agency (ESA). Another reason may be to optimize the scientific and technological output of NASA scientists and technology developers.

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