Abstract
The square-format 32-pixel microcalorimeter array at the focal plane of the high-resolution X-ray spectrometer on the Astro-E2 X-ray Observatory is the first of a new generation of silicon-based microcalorimeters. This array has numerous advantages over its predecessor, the bilinear array that was launched on Astro-E. Foremost among its benefits are: (1) the energy resolution is improved by a factor of two at 6keV (now 6eV FWHM), (2) the thermal time constant is a factor of two faster, and (3) each pixel has a Gaussian line response. We will discuss the design changes that have led to these and other advantages.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 466-468 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment |
Volume | 520 |
Issue number | 1-3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 11 2004 |
Keywords
- Microcalorimeter array
- Thermal detectors
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Nuclear and High Energy Physics
- Instrumentation