Focal Plane Development for the Transition-Edge EBIT Microcalorimeter Spectrometer

I propose to produce the first fully operational 1000-pixel X-ray Transition-Edge Sensor microcalorimeter imaging spectrometer system, and to deliver it to the Electron Beam Ion Trap (EBIT) facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. This spectrometer will serve as a prototype for the microcalorimeter array on a future large X-ray observatory, and its use in a laboratory on the ground will aide in the optimization of analysis procedures for future data. Furthermore, I will make laboratory astrophysics measurements using this spectrometer at the EBIT that will be critical for understanding the atomic physics and resulting X-ray spectra that a upcoming large-aperture mission will yield. TES X-ray microcalorimeters, with their unprecedented energy resolution, quantum efficiency, and timing, exemplify the cutting edge innovation and technology development that maintains NASA's world leadership in this field. My proposed work aligns with the goals laid out in the 2012 NASA Technology Roadmap for science instruments, as well as the priorities decided upon by the astronomical community in the 2010 Decadal Survey in Astronomy and Astrophysics.

TES X-ray microcalorimeters, with their unprecedented energy resolution, quantum efficiency, and timing, exemplify the cutting edge innovation and technology development that maintains NASA's world leadership in this field. My proposed work aligns with the goals laid out in the 2012 NASA Technology Roadmap for science instruments, as well as the priorities decided upon by the astronomical community in the 2010 Decadal Survey in Astronomy and Astrophysics.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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