Dr. Stephen J. Smith Profile

Dr. Stephen J. Smith

at NASA Goddard Space Flight Ctr

SPIE Involvement:

Author

Publications (38)

SPIE Journal Paper | 14 November 2023 Open Access

Open Access

Line Emission Mapper: an X-ray probe mission concept to study the cosmic ecosystems and the physics of galaxy formation

Daniel Patnaude, Ralph Kraft, Caroline Kilbourne, Simon Bandler, Akos Bogdan, Renata Cumbee, Megan Eckart, Cecilia Garraffo, Edmund Hodges-Kluck, Richard Kelley, Maxim Markevitch, Anna Ogorzalek, Paul Plucinsky, Frederick Porter, John ZuHone, Irina Zhuravleva, Jeremy Drake, Maurice Leutenegger, Steve Kenyon, Stephen Smith, William Zhang, Stephen DePalo, Xiaoyi Li, Nathan Williams, Edward Amatucci, Janice Houston, Deme Apostolou, Hugh Kanner, Kathleen Coderre, Isaac Hayden, Kyle Martin, Elizabeth Osborne, Jeffrey Olson, Steven Ramm, Scott Richardson

JATIS, Vol. 9, Issue 04, 041008, (November 2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JATIS.9.4.041008

KEYWORDS: X-rays, Galactic astronomy, Design, Sensors, Equipment, X-ray optics, Astrophysics, Stars, Ecosystems, Tunable filters

Read Abstract +

SPIE Journal Paper | 20 October 2023 Open Access

Open Access

Characterization of a hybrid array of single and multi-absorber transition-edge sensor microcalorimeters for the Line Emission Mapper

Nicholas Wakeham, Joseph Adams, Simon Bandler, James Chervenak, Renata Cumbee, Fred Finkbeiner, Joshua Fuhrman, Samuel Hull, Richard Kelley, Caroline Kilbourne, Kazuhiro Sakai, Stephen Smith, Edward Wassell, Sang Yoon

JATIS, Vol. 9, Issue 04, 041006, (October 2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JATIS.9.4.041006

KEYWORDS: Design, X-rays, Time division multiplexing, Resistance, Equipment, Sensors, Detector arrays, Gold, Aluminum, Multiplexing

Read Abstract +

SPIE Journal Paper | 19 October 2023 Open Access

Open Access

Line emission mapper microcalorimeter spectrometer

Simon Bandler, Joseph Adams, Edward Amatucci, Edgar Canavan, James Chervenak, Renata Cumbee, Johannes P. Dercksen, Michael DiPirro, William Doriese, Megan Eckart, Manuel Gonzalez, Janice Houston, Brian Jackson, Amir Jahromi, Steven Kenyon, Caroline Kilbourne, Edmund Hodges-Kluck, Ralph Kraft, Xiaoyi Li, Maxim Markevitch, Dan McCammon, Jeffrey Olson, Elizabeth Osborne, Kazuhiro Sakai, Daniel Patnaude, Frederick Porter, Damien Prêle, Peter Shirron, Stephen Smith, Terrence Smith, Nicholas Wakeham, Henk van Weers

JATIS, Vol. 9, Issue 04, 041002, (October 2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JATIS.9.4.041002

KEYWORDS: Tunable filters, Design, Sensors, Time division multiplexing, X-rays, Staring arrays, Cryocoolers, Spectroscopy, Equipment, Detector arrays

Read Abstract +

SPIE Journal Paper | 18 October 2023 Open Access

Open Access

Development of space-flight room-temperature electronics for the Line Emission Mapper Microcalorimeter Spectrometer

Kazuhiro Sakai, Joseph Adams, Simon Bandler, Si Chen, Manuel Gonzalez, Damien Prêle, Carl Reintsema, Adam Schoenwald, Stephen Smith, Terrence Smith, Nicholas Wakeham

JATIS, Vol. 9, Issue 04, 041004, (October 2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JATIS.9.4.041004

KEYWORDS: Field programmable gate arrays, Time division multiplexing, Sensors, Analog to digital converters, Clocks, Optimal filtering, Multiplexers, Detector arrays, X-rays, Signal processing

Read Abstract +

SPIE Journal Paper | 18 October 2023 Open Access

Open Access

Development of the microcalorimeter and anticoincidence detector for the Line Emission Mapper x-ray probe

Stephen Smith, Joseph Adams, Simon Bandler, Rachel Borrelli, James Chervenak, Renata Cumbee, Enectali Figueroa-Feliciano, Fred Finkbeiner, Joshua Furhman, Samuel Hull, Richard L. Kelley, Caroline Kilbourne, Noah Kurinsky, Jennette Mateo, Asha Rani, Kazuhiro Sakai, Nicholas Wakeham, Edward Wassell, Sang Yoon

JATIS, Vol. 9, Issue 04, 041005, (October 2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JATIS.9.4.041005

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Design, Detector arrays, X-rays, Detector development, Time division multiplexing, Image resolution, Crosstalk, Calibration, Staring arrays

Read Abstract +

SPIE Journal Paper | 20 July 2023

First flight performance of the Micro-X microcalorimeter X-ray sounding rocket

The Micro-X Collaboration, Joseph S. Adams, Robert Baker, Simon R. Bandler, Noëmie Bastidon, Daniel Castro, Meredith E. Danowksi, William B. Doriese, Megan E. Eckart, Enectalí Figueroa-Feliciano, Joshua Fuhrman, David C. Goldfinger, Sarah N. T. Heine, Gene Hilton, Antonia J. F. Hubbard, Daniel Jardin, Richard L. Kelley, Caroline A. Kilbourne, Steven W. Leman, Renée E. Manzagol-Harwood, Dan McCammon, Philip H. H. Oakley, Takashi Okajima, Frederick Scott Porter, Carl D. Reintsema, John Rutherford, Tarek Saab, Kosuke Sato, Peter Serlemitsos, Stephen J. Smith, Yang Soong, Patrick Wikus

JATIS, Vol. 9, Issue 03, 034001, (July 2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JATIS.9.3.034001

KEYWORDS: X-rays, Magnetism, Equipment, Rockets, Finite element methods, Niobium, Superconductors, Tunable filters, Cryostats, Calibration

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 31 August 2022 Poster + Paper

Poster + Paper

When less is more: the truncation of the optimal filter to reconstruct events in X-IFU/Athena-like TES detectors

M. Ceballos, N. Cardiel, B. Cobo, P. Peille, S. Smith, M. Durkin, M. Witthoeft

Proceedings Volume 12181, 1218145 (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2631165

KEYWORDS: Optimal filtering, Sensors, X-rays, Photons, Reconstruction algorithms, X-ray detectors, Data acquisition, Time division multiplexing

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 31 August 2022 Presentation + Paper

Presentation + Paper

Design of the detection chain for Athena X-IFU

H. Geoffray, B. Jackson, S. Bandler, W. Doriese, M. Durkin, J. van der Kuur, B.-J. van Leeuwen, M. Kiviranta, S. Smith, D. Prêle, L. Ravera, Y. Parot, H. van Weers, J. W. den Herder, J. Adams, J. Chervenak, C. Reintsema, J. Ullom, F. Brachet, A. Ledot, P. Peille, D. Barret

Proceedings Volume 12181, 121810M (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2629960

KEYWORDS: Amplifiers, Electronics, Multiplexers, Staring arrays, Time division multiplexing, Sensors, X-rays, Multiplexing, Connectors, Switching

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 4 January 2021 Presentation + Paper

Presentation + Paper

First operation of transition-edge sensors in space with the Micro-X sounding rocket

Antonia J. Hubbard, Joseph Adams, Robert Baker, Simon Bandler, Noëmie Bastidon, Meredith Danowski, William Doriese, Megan Eckart, Enectalí Figueroa-Feliciano, David Goldfinger, Sarah N. Heine, Gene Hilton, Richard Kelley, Caroline Kilbourne, Renée Manzagol-Harwood, Dan McCammon, Takashi Okajima, Frederick Porter, Carl Reintsema, Peter Serlemitsos, Stephen Smith, Patrick Wikus, Joshua Fuhrman, Daniel Jardin

Proceedings Volume 11454, 1145414 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2562645

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Rockets, Space sensors, Space operations, Signal to noise ratio, X-rays, Physics, Calibration, Calcium, Aerospace engineering

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 13 December 2020 Presentation

Presentation

Frequency domain multiplexing technology of transition-edge sensors for x-ray astronomy

Hiroki Akamatsu, Davide Vaccaro, Luciano Gottardi, Jan van der Kuur, Cor de Vries, Simon Bandler, Marcel Bruijn, James Chervenak, Matteo D'Andrea, Jian-Rong Gao, Jan-Willem den Herder, Ruud W. Hoogeveen, Mikko Kiviranta, Anton van der Linden, Brian Jackson, Antoine Miniussi, Kenichiro Nagayoshi, Kevin Ravensberg, Marcel Ridder, Kazuhiro Sakai, Stephen Smith, Emanuele Taralli, Sven Visser, Nicholas Wakeham, Martin de Wit

Proceedings Volume 11444, 114440Y (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2561271

KEYWORDS: Multiplexing, Sensors, Fused deposition modeling, Sensor technology, X-ray astronomy, X-rays, Resonators, Observatories, Quantum efficiency, Spectral resolution

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 13 December 2020 Presentation

Presentation

Conceptual design of the detection chain for the X-IFU on Athena

Hervé Geoffray, Simon Bandler, W. Bertrand Doriese, Mikko Kirivanta, Damien Prêle, Laurent Ravera, Andrea Argan, Marco Barbera, Jan van der Kuur, Bert Joost van Leeuwen, Henk van Weers, Ruud Hoogeveen, Jan-Willem den herder, Stephen Smith, Joe Adams, James Chervenak, Malcom Durkin, Carl Reintsema, Joel Ullom, Yann Parot, Didier Barret, Claudio Macculi, Luigi Piro, Frank Brachet, Aurélien Ledot, Brian Jackson

Proceedings Volume 11444, 114440X (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2563628

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Detector arrays, Electronics, Environmental sensing, Aerospace engineering, Multiplexing, Fused deposition modeling

Read Abstract +

SPIE Journal Paper | 31 May 2019 Open Access

Open Access

Lynx x-ray microcalorimeter

Simon Bandler, James Chervenak, Aaron Datesman, Archana Devasia, Michael DiPirro, Kazuhiro Sakai, Stephen Smith, Thomas Stevenson, Wonsik Yoon, Douglas Bennett, Benjamin Mates, Daniel Swetz, Joel Ullom, Kent Irwin, Megan Eckart, Enectali Figueroa-Feliciano, Dan McCammon, Kevin Ryu, Jeffrey Olson, Ben Zeiger

JATIS, Vol. 5, Issue 02, 021017, (May 2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JATIS.5.2.021017

KEYWORDS: X-rays, Sensors, Field effect transistors, Electronics, Microwave radiation, Staring arrays, Prototyping, Image resolution, Cryocoolers, Superconductors

Read Abstract +

SPIE Journal Paper | 9 April 2019 Open Access

Open Access

Magnetic calorimeter option for the Lynx x-ray microcalorimeter

Thomas Stevenson, Manuel Balvin, Simon Bandler, Archana Devasia, Peter Nagler, Kevin Ryu, Stephen Smith, Wonsik Yoon

JATIS, Vol. 5, Issue 02, 021009, (April 2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JATIS.5.2.021009

KEYWORDS: Sensors, X-rays, Inductance, Magnetic sensors, Niobium, Magnetism, Superconductors, Gold, Prototyping, Microwave radiation

Read Abstract +

SPIE Journal Paper | 8 April 2019 Open Access

Open Access

Multiabsorber transition-edge sensors for x-ray astronomy

Stephen J. Smith, Joseph Adams, Simon Bandler, James Chervenak, Aaron Datesman, Megan Eckart, Fred Finkbeiner, Ruslan Hummatov, Richard Kelley, Caroline Kilbourne, Antoine Miniussi, Frederick Porter, John Sadleir, Kazuhiro Sakai, Nicholas Wakeham, Edward Wassell

JATIS, Vol. 5, Issue 02, 021008, (April 2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JATIS.5.2.021008

KEYWORDS: Sensors, X-rays, X-ray astronomy, Image resolution, Gold, Lithium, Phonons, Signal to noise ratio, Digital filtering, Resistance

Read Abstract +

SPIE Journal Paper | 22 March 2019 Open Access

Open Access

Microwave SQUID multiplexing for the Lynx x-ray microcalorimeter

Douglas Bennett, John A. Mates, Simon Bandler, Daniel Becker, Joseph Fowler, Johnathon Gard, Gene Hilton, Kent Irwin, Kelsey Morgan, Carl Reintsema, Kazuhiro Sakai, Daniel Schmidt, Stephen Smith, Daniel Swetz, Joel Ullom, Leila Vale, Abigail Wessels

JATIS, Vol. 5, Issue 02, 021007, (March 2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.10.1117/1.JATIS.5.2.021007

KEYWORDS: Microwave radiation, Multiplexing, Resonators, Sensors, X-rays, Multiplexers, Modulation, Field effect transistors, Inductance, Time division multiplexing

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 31 July 2018 Presentation + Paper

Presentation + Paper

The ATHENA X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU)

Didier Barret, Jan-Willem den Herder, Thien Lam Trong, Luigi Piro, Massimo Cappi, Juhani Houvelin, Richard Kelley, J. Miguel Mas-Hesse, Kazuhisa Mitsuda, Stéphane Paltani, Gregor Rauw, Agata Rozanska, Joern Wilms, Simon Bandler, Marco Barbera, Xavier Barcons, Enrico Bozzo, Maria Teresa Ceballos, Ivan Charles, Elisa Costantini, Anne Decourchelle, Roland den Hartog, Lionel Duband, Jean-Marc Duval, Fabrizio Fiore, Flavio Gatti, Andrea Goldwurm, Brian Jackson, Peter Jonker, Caroline Kilbourne, Claudio Macculi, Mariano Mendez, Silvano Molendi, Piotr Orleanski, François Pajot, Etienne Pointecouteau, Frederick Porter, Gabriel Pratt, Damien Prêle, Laurent Ravera, Kosuke Sato, Joop Schaye, Keisuke Shinozaki, Tanguy Thibert, Luca Valenziano, Véronique Valette, Jacco Vink, Natalie Webb, Michael Wise, Noriko Yamasaki, Françoise Douchin, Jean-Michel Mesnager, Bernard Pontet, Alice Pradines, Graziella Branduardi-Raymont, Esra Bulbul, Mauro Dadina, Stefano Ettori, Alexis Finoguenov, Yasushi Fukazawa, Agnieszka Janiuk, Jelle Kaastra, Pasquale Mazzotta, Jon Miller, Giovanni Miniutti, Yael Naze, Fabrizio Nicastro, Salavtore Scioritino, Aurora Simonescu, Jose Miguel Torrejon, Benoit Frezouls, Hervé Geoffray, Philippe Peille, Corinne Aicardi, Jérôme André, Christophe Daniel, Antoine Clénet, Christophe Etcheverry, Emilie Gloaguen, Gilles Hervet, Antoine Jolly, Aurélien Ledot, Irwin Paillet, Roseline Schmisser, Bruno Vella, Jean-Charles Damery, Kevin Boyce, Mike Dipirro, Simone Lotti, Denis Schwander, Stephen Smith, Bert-Joost Van Leeuwen, Henk van Weers, Nicolas Clerc, Beatriz Cobo, Thomas Dauser, Christian Kirsch, Edoardo Cucchetti, Megan Eckart, Philippe Ferrando, Lorenzo Natalucci

Proceedings Volume 10699, 106991G (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2312409

KEYWORDS: Spectral resolution, X-rays, Sensors, Cryogenics, Optical filters, Wind energy, Electronics, X-ray astronomy, Mirrors, X-ray sources

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 10 July 2018 Presentation

Presentation

Development of frequency domain multiplexing for the x-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) (Conference Presentation)

Hiroki Akamatsu, L. Gottardi, J. van der Kuur, C.P. de Vries, M. Bruijn, J. Chervenak, M. Kiviranta, B. Jackson, A. Miniussi, K. Sakai, S. Smith, N. Wakeham, A. van den Linden

Proceedings Volume 10699, 106991N (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2313284

KEYWORDS: Fused deposition modeling, Multiplexing, X-rays, Sensors, Resonators, Performance modeling, Observatories, Quantum efficiency, Spectral resolution, Electronics

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 10 July 2018 Presentation

Presentation

Transition-edge sensor array development for the ATHENA x-ray itegral field unit (Conference Presentation)

Joesph Adams, Simon Bandler, James Chervenak, Megan Eckart, Fred Finkbeiner, Richard Kelley, Antoine Miniussi, F. Scott Porter, Kazuhiro Sakai, Nicholas Wakeham, Edward Wassell, Wonsik Yoon, John Sadleir, Hiroki Akamatsu, Luciano Gottardi, Roland den Hartog, Brian Jackson, Jan van der Kuur, Caroline Kilbourne, Stephen Smith

Proceedings Volume 10699, 106991L (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2313428

KEYWORDS: X-rays, Sensors, Transition metals, Observatories, Spectral resolution, Multiplexing, Fused deposition modeling, Telescopes, Metals

Read Abstract +

The X-ray integral field unit (X-IFU) proposed for ESA’s Athena X-ray observatory will consist of 3840 transition edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeters optimized for the energy range of 0.2 to 12 keV. The instrument will provide unprecedented spectral resolution of ~ 2.5 eV at energies of up to 7 keV and will accommodate photon fluxes of 10’s mcrab (1000’s cps). Over the past two years the baseline configuration has evolved from the original proposal. The current baseline consists of a uniform large pixel array (LPA) of 5” pixels, AC-biased within their superconducting-to-normal transition and read out using frequency domain multiplexing (FDM). The baseline pixel design is approximately a factor of two times slower than in the original concept. High count-rate accommodation, needed for bright point source observations, is now achieved by defocusing the telescope optic to spread the photons over a larger number of pixels. In this paper we report on Mo/Au TES designs that are being optimized to meet the baseline pixel parameters and performance goals. This includes detailed studies on the optimization of the thermal heat sink and the impact of different TES geometries (including TES size and normal metal feature geometries) on the DC-biased transition shape. We discuss how these geometric effects ultimately impact important performance metrics such as energy resolution, decay time, slew-rate and array scale uniformity. Our Mo/Au TESs have historically been designed and optimized for DC-biased operation, however, the primary readout technology uses an AC drive to bias the TES. Depending upon the drive frequency, the AC bias affects the TES transition shape in two ways. Firstly, due to losses from the bias current coupling to metallic components in close proximity to the TES and secondly introducing fine structure in the transition due to Josephson effects. We present latest pixel design optimizations targeted at mitigating these frequency dependent effects in order to achieve commensurate performance with that obtained in the DC case.

Proceedings Article | 10 July 2018 Presentation

Presentation

The focal plane assembly for the ATHENA x-ray integral field unit instrument (Conference Presentation)

Roland den Hartog, Hiroki Akamatsu, Brian Jackson, Jan van der Kuur, Henk van Weers, Andrea Argan, Simon Bandler, Marco Barbera, Didier Barret, Marcel Bruijn, James Chervenak, Johannes Dercksen, Flavio Gatti, Herve Geoffray, Luciano Gottardi, Jan-Willem den Herder, Ruud Hoogeveen, Caroline Kilbourne, Mikko Kiviranta, Bert-Joost van Leeuwen, Dennis van Loon, Claudio Macculi, Luigi Piro, Stephen Smith, Jean-Michel Mesnager, Francoise Douchin, Phillipe Peille

Proceedings Volume 10699, 106991O (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2313980

KEYWORDS: Sensors, X-rays, Staring arrays, X-ray imaging, Environmental sensing, Observatories, Spectral resolution, Superconductors, Electronics, Particles

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 10 July 2018 Presentation

Presentation

The Design of the Lynx x-ray microcalorimeter (LXM) (Conference Presentation)

Simon Bandler, Michael DiPirro, Megan Eckart, Kazuhiro Sakai, Stephen Smith, Wonsik Yoon, Douglas Bennett, Ben J. Mates, Daniel Swetz, Joel Ullom, Kent Irwin, Dan McCammon, Enectali Figueroa-Feliciano, Kevin Ryu, Ben Zeiger, Jeffrey Olson

Proceedings Volume 10699, 1069913 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2314079

KEYWORDS: X-rays, Image resolution, X-ray optics, Oxygen, Amplifiers, Cryogenics, X-ray telescopes, Satellites, X-ray imaging, Spectroscopy

Read Abstract +

Lynx is an x-ray telescope that is one of four large satellite mission concepts currently being studied by NASA to be the next flagship mission. One of Lynx’s three instruments is the Lynx X-ray Microcalorimeter (LXM), an imaging spectrometer placed at the focus of an x-ray optic with 0.5 arc-second angular resolution and approximately 2 m2 area at 1 keV. It will be used for a wide variety of observations, and the driving performance requirements are met through different sub-regions of the array. It will provide an energy resolution of better than 3 eV over the energy range of 0.2 to 7 keV, with pixels sizes that vary in scale from 0.5 to 1 arc-seconds in the inner 5 arc-minute field-of-view, and to 5 arc-seconds in the extended 20 arc-minute field-of-view. The Main Array consists mostly of 1 arc-second pixels in the central 5 arc-minutes with less than 3 eV energy resolution (FWHM) in the energy range of 0.2 to 7 keV. It is enhanced in the inner 1 arc-minute region with 0.5 arc-second pixels that will better sample the point spread function of the X-ray optic. The inner 5 arc-minute region is designed specifically for the observations related to cosmic feedback studies, investigating the interactions of AGN with the local regions surrounding them. The 0.5" pixel size allows detailed studies of winds and jets on a finer angular scale. It is also optimized for spatially resolved measurements of cluster cores. The outer regions of the array are designed to operate during a completely different set of observations. The Extended Array will be utilized for surveys over large regions of the sky, the 20 arc-minute field-of-view making it practical to make observations of the soft diffuse emission from larger scale-structure such as extended galaxies, the outer regions of galaxy groups and clusters and also cosmic filaments. This array is optimized for high energy resolution up to 2 keV through the use of thin (0.5 um) gold absorbers. The Ultra-High-Res Array is designed specifically to enable the study turbulent line broadening around individual through the study of the highly ionized oxygen lines. It is optimized for energy resolution for the oxygen VII and VIII lines, with better than 0.4 eV energy resolution. In this paper we present the design of the baseline configuration and the scientific motivation. We discuss the technologies that are being developed for this instrument, in particular the transition-edge sensor (TES) and metallic magnetic calorimeter (MMC) sensor technologies. We place these technologies in the context of the required energy resolution, energy range, pixel size, and count-rate, as well as strategies for the pixel layout and wiring. We will discuss the use of microwave SQUIDs, HEMT amplifiers, and parametric amplifiers for the read-out and the implications for the cryogenic design. We also describe the design of the full instrument, including the strawman cryogenic design, as well as an estimate for the mass, power and data rate.

Proceedings Article | 10 July 2018 Presentation

Presentation

Time- and code-division SQUID multiplexing options for ATHENA X-IFU (Conference Presentation)

Joel Ullom, J. Adams, B. Alpert, S. Bandler, D. Bennett, S. Chaudhuri, J. Chervenak, E. Denison, C. Dawson, W. Doriese, M. Durkin, J. Fowler, J Gard, G. Hilton, K. Irwin, Y. Joe, C. Kilbourne, J. Mates, K. Morgan, G. O'Neil, C. Reintsema, D. Schmidt, S. Smith, D. Swetz, C. Titus, L. Vale, B. Young

Proceedings Volume 10699, 106991P (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2314111

KEYWORDS: X-rays, Time division multiplexing, Code division multiplexing, Multiplexing, Sensors, Multiplexers, Gamma radiation, Synchrotrons, Light sources, Spectrometers

Read Abstract +

SQUID Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM) is a technique for the readout of arrays of Transition-Edge Sensors (TESs) for x-ray and gamma-ray science. TDM has been deployed in many recent 250-pixel-scale instruments including at synchrotron light sources and particle-accelerator facilities, as well as in table-top experiments. Two TES spectrometers employing TDM readout will soon be deployed to electron-beam ion-trap facilities. TDM is also under development as a back-up readout option for the X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) of the Athena satellite mission. The 3,840 TES pixels of the X-IFU will enable efficient, high resolution spectroscopy (2.5 eV FWHM at 7 keV) of extended astrophysical sources. Multiplexing factors of 40 or more sensors per readout column are planned for the X-IFU. To advance the maturity of TDM readout for Athena, we are creating a focal-plane assembly for the readout of 960 TES pixels in a 24 column by 40 row configuration. We will describe the design and experimental progress on this technology demonstrator. In a TDM system, each dc-biased TES has its own first-stage SQUID. Rows of these first-stage-SQUIDs are turned on and off sequentially such that the signal from only one TES at a time per readout column is passed to a series-array SQUID, to a room-temperature preamplifier, and to digital-feedback electronics. Recent implementations of TDM have a row period of 160 ns and non-multiplexed amplifier noise of 0.19 micro-Phi_0/sqrt(Hz) referred to the first-stage SQUID. Some benchmark demonstrations of TDM with x-ray TES sensors include achievement of 2.55 eV FWHM energy resolution at 5.9 keV in a 32-row, 1-column configuration. Here, the fastest slew rates in the TES currents were similar to those of the X-IFU “LPA2” detector model. We have also achieved 2.72 eV FWHM resolution in a 32-row, 6-column configuration that contained 144 high-quality TESs that were similar to the much faster X-IFU “LPA1” pixels. We will describe on-going efforts to read out TDM arrays at the 6x32 scale and larger, as well as efforts to improve the performance of TDM system subcomponents. We will also describe system-level performance metrics such as cross-talk. SQUID Code-Division Multiplexing (CDM) is closely related to TDM but has important performance advantages. CDM and TDM operation are similar with the main difference being that in CDM, all TESs are observed by the multiplexer at all times, with the polarity of the TES signals switched between rows. Because all TESs are observed by the multiplexer at all times, the sqrt(N_rows) noise-aliasing degradation inherent to TDM is eliminated. We are developing flux-summing CDM to be drop-in compatible with existing TDM systems. The most recent CDM implementation has a nonmultiplexed noise level of 0.17 micro-Phi_0/sqrt(Hz) referred to the first-stage SQUID and a row period of 160 ns. We have demonstrated 2.77 eV FWM resolution at 5.9 keV in 32-row, 1-column CDM test.

Proceedings Article | 6 July 2018 Paper

Paper

The performance of the ATHENA X-ray Integral Field Unit

Philippe Peille, Roland den Hartog, Hervé Geoffray, Jean-Michel Mesnager, Marco Barbera, Claudio Macculi, Joern Wilms, Edoardo Cucchetti, Christian Kirsch, François Pajot, Didier Barret, Luigi Piro, Thien Lam-Trong, Thomas Dauser, Simone Lotti, Simon Bandler, Stephen Smith, Brian Jackson, Jan-Willem den Herder

Proceedings Volume 10699, 106994K (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2313720

KEYWORDS: X-rays, Sensors, Quantum efficiency, Mirrors, Optical filters, Image resolution, Contamination, Electronics, Device simulation, Performance modeling

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 6 July 2018 Paper

Paper

Testing the X-IFU calibration requirements: an example for quantum efficiency and energy resolution

Megan Eckart, Simon Bandler, Caroline Kilbourne, Edoardo Cucchetti, François Pajot, Etienne Pointecouteau, Philippe Peille, Gabriele Betancourt-Martinez, Stephen Smith, Marco Barbera, Massimo Cappi, Didier Barret

Proceedings Volume 10699, 106994O (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2312188

KEYWORDS: Quantum efficiency, Calibration, Sensors, Error analysis, X-rays

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 26 August 2016 Paper

Paper

Status of the micro-X sounding rocket x-ray spectrometer

D. Goldfinger, E. Figueroa-Feliciano, W. Doriese, M. Eckart, G. Hilton, A. J. Hubbard, R. Kelley, C. Kilbourne, P. Serlemitsos, P. Wikus, J. Adams, R. Baker, S. Bandler, M. Danowski, D. McCammon, T. Okajima, F. Porter, C. Reintsema, S. Smith, S. N. T. Heine

Proceedings Volume 9905, 99054S (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2233299

KEYWORDS: Rockets, X-ray telescopes, Sensors, X-rays, Image resolution, Electronics, Multiplexers, Multiplexing, Spectroscopy, X-ray astronomy

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 17 August 2016 Paper

Paper

The Athena X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU)

Didier Barret, Piotr Orleanski, Etienne Pointecouteau, Damien Prêle, Laurent Ravera, Etienne Renotte, Keisuke Shinozaki, Jacco Vink, Natalie Webb, Noriko Yamasaki, Michel Le Du, Jean-Michel Mesnager, Graziella Branduardi-Raymont, Mauro Dadina, Alexis Finoguenov, Agnieszka Janiuk, Jon Miller, Salvatore Sciortino, Jose Miguel Torrejon, Isabelle Hernandez, Christophe Daniel, Christophe Etcheverry, Jérémie Hassin, Gilles Hervet, Bruno Vella, Jean-Charles Damery, Chantal Panem, Simon Bandler, Kevin Boyce, Michael DiPirro, Henk van Weers, Beatriz Cobo, Jan-Willem den Herder, Luigi Piro, Thien Lam Trong, Xavier Barcons, Juhani Huovelin, Richard Kelley, J. Miguel Mas-Hesse, Kazuhisa Mitsuda, Stéphane Paltani, Gregor Rauw, Agata Rożanska, Joern Wilms, Marco Barbera, Enrico Bozzo, Maria Teresa Ceballos, Ivan Charles, Anne Decourchelle, Roland den Hartog, Jean-Marc Duval, Fabrizio Fiore, Flavio Gatti, Andrea Goldwurm, Brian Jackson, Peter Jonker, Caroline Kilbourne, Claudio Macculi, Mariano Mendez, Silvano Molendi, François Pajot, Frederick Porter, Gabriel Pratt, Joop Schaye, Luca Valenziano, Françoise Delcelier-Douchin, Alice Pradines, Yasushi Fukazawa, Yaël Nazé, Fabrizio Nicastro, Hervé Geoffray, Laure Luno, Philippe Peille, Jérôme André, Emilie Gloaguen, Irwin Maussang, Jérôme Moueza, Alexis Paillet, Gonzalo Campos Garrido, Johan Panh, Jean-Marc Biffi, Antoine Clénet, Pierre Jamotton, Simone Lotti, Denis Schwander, Stephen Smith, Bert-Joost van Leeuwen, Thorsten Brand, Thomas Dauser, Jelle de Plaa, Edoardo Cucchetti

Proceedings Volume 9905, 99052F (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2232432

KEYWORDS: X-rays, Sensors, Spectral resolution, Stars, Electronics, Galactic astronomy, Iron, Calibration, Signal to noise ratio, Staring arrays

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 26 July 2016 Paper

Paper

The impact of crosstalk in the X-IFU instrument on Athena science cases

T. Brand, J. Wilms, S. Smith, S. Bandler, J.-W. den Herder, D. Barret, R. den Hartog, B. Jackson, J. van der Kuur, P. Peille, M. Kiviranta, T. Dauser

Proceedings Volume 9905, 99055T (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2232098

KEYWORDS: Sensors, X-rays, Signal detection, Detector arrays, Bridges, Silicon, Magnetism, X-ray detectors, Manufacturing, Magnetic sensors

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 20 July 2016 Paper

Paper

Transition-edge sensor pixel parameter design of the microcalorimeter array for the x-ray integral field unit on Athena

S. Smith, M. Eckart, F. Finkbeiner, G. Betancourt-Martinez, R. Kelley, D. Swetz, J. Adams, S. Bandler, J. Chervenak, M. Chiao, C. Kilbourne, F. Porter, J. Sadleir, E. Wassell, W. Yoon, J. Ullom, W. Doriese, D. Bennett, H. Akamatsu, L. Gottardi, B. Jackson, J. van der Kuur, R. den Hartog, D. Barret, P. Peille, G. Hilton, J. Fowler, K. Morgan, C. Pappas, N. Wakeham, K. Sakai, A. Miniussi, C. Reintsema, K. Irwin

Proceedings Volume 9905, 99052H (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2231749

KEYWORDS: X-rays, Sensors, Multiplexing, Sensors, Staring arrays, Cryogenics, Helium, Magnetism, Photons, Temperature metrology, Resistance

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 19 July 2016 Paper

Paper

TESSIM: a simulator for the Athena-X-IFU

S. Smith, P. Peille, M. T. Ceballos, B. Cobo, T. Dauser, T. Brand, R. den Hartog, S. Bandler, J. de Plaa, J.-W. den Herder, J. Wilms

Proceedings Volume 9905, 990564 (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2234435

KEYWORDS: Sensors, X-ray detectors, X-rays, Astronomy, Photons, Monte Carlo methods, Device simulation, Resistance, Spatial resolution, Cerium

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 19 July 2016 Paper

Paper

Development of frequency domain multiplexing for the X-ray Integral Field unit (X-IFU) on the Athena

Hiroki Akamatsu, Caroline Kilbourne, Luciano Gottardi, Jan van der Kuur, Cor de Vries, Joseph Adams, Simon Bandler, Marcel Bruijn, James Chervenak, Mikko Kiviranta, A. J. van der Linden, Brian Jackson, Stephen Smith, Kevin Ravensberg

Proceedings Volume 9905, 99055S (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2232805

KEYWORDS: X-rays, Sensors, Particles, Electrons, Photons, Monte Carlo methods, Solar energy, Magnetism, Bismuth, Mirrors

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 19 July 2016 Paper

Paper

The focal plane assembly for the Athena X-ray Integral Field Unit instrument

M. Bruijn, M. Barbera, F. Gatti, D. Haas, J.-W. den Herder, M. Kiviranta, B.-J. van Leeuwen, C. Macculi, L. Piro, T. Lam-Trong, B. Jackson, H. van Weers, J. van der Kuur, R. den Hartog, H. Akamatsu, A. Argan, S. Bandler, D. Barret, J. Chervenak, J. Dercksen, L. Gottardi, C. Kilbourne, S. Smith

Proceedings Volume 9905, 99052I (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2232544

KEYWORDS: Staring arrays, Sensors, Electronics, X-rays, Sensors, Amplifiers, Magnetic sensors, Magnetism, Multiplexing, Particles, Superconductors

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 19 July 2016 Paper

Paper

Development of x-ray microcalorimeter imaging spectrometers for the X-ray Surveyor mission concept

Simon Bandler, Joseph Adams, James Chervenak, Megan Eckart, Fred Finkbeiner, Richard Kelley, Caroline Kilbourne, Frederick Porter, John Sadleir, Stephen Smith, Thomas Stevenson, Wonsik Yoon, Dan Becker, Edward Wassell, Douglas Bennett, William Doriese, Gene Hilton, Benjamin Mates, Carl Reintsema, Daniel Swetz, Joel Ullom, Kent Irwin, Sang-Jun Lee, Alexey Vikhlinin, Johnathan Gard, Aaron Datesman, Gabriele Betancourt-Martinez, Antoine Miniussi, Kazuhiro Sakai, Nicholas Wakeham, Joseph Fowler, Kelsey Morgan, Saptarshi Chaudhuri

Proceedings Volume 9905, 99050Q (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2232156

KEYWORDS: Sensors, X-rays, Tantalum, Superconductors, Computer aided design, Silver, Matrices, Field effect transistors, Electronics, Spectral resolution

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 11 July 2016 Paper

Paper

Performance assessment of different pulse reconstruction algorithms for the ATHENA X-ray Integral Field Unit

Beatriz Cobo, Philippe Peille, Maria Teresa Ceballos, Joern Wilms, Simon Bandler, Stephen Smith, Thomas Dauser, Thorsten Brand, Roland den Hartog, Jelle de Plaa, Didier Barret, Jan-Willem den Herder, Luigi Piro, Xavier Barcons, Etienne Pointecouteau

Proceedings Volume 9905, 99055W (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2232011

KEYWORDS: Reconstruction algorithms, X-rays, Sensors, Reconstruction algorithms, X-rays, Resistance, Calibration, Inductance, Matrices, Signal processing, Image resolution, Interference (communication)

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 25 September 2014 Paper

Paper

The transition-edge EBIT microcalorimeter spectrometer

James Chervenak, Randy Doriese, Kent Irwin, Gabriele Betancourt-Martinez, Joseph Adams, Simon Bandler, Peter Beiersdorfer, Gregory Brown, Megan Eckart, Richard Kelley, Caroline Kilbourne, Maurice Leutenegger, F. Porter, Carl Reintsema, Stephen Smith, Joel Ullom

Proceedings Volume 9144, 91443U (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2055568

KEYWORDS: Transmission electron microscopy, Spectroscopy, Ions, Sensors, Electron beams, X-rays, Image resolution, Multiplexing, Time division multiplexing, Superconductors

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 26 September 2013 Paper

Paper

Designing the x-ray microcalorimeter spectrometer for optimal science return

Randall Smith, Simon Bandler, Jay Bookbinder, Richard Kelley, Robert Petre, Andrew Ptak, Stephen Smith

Proceedings Volume 8859, 885903 (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2024423

KEYWORDS: X-rays, Sensors, Spectral resolution, Spectroscopy, X-ray imaging, Point spread functions, Image resolution, Galactic astronomy, X-ray astronomy, Observatories

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 30 July 2010 Paper

Paper

High-spectral resolution high-cadence imaging x-ray microcalorimeters for solar physics

Richard Kelley, Randall Smith, Jay Chervenak, John Sadleir, Fred Finkbeiner, Edward DeLuca, Frederick Porter, Caroline Kilbourne, Simon Bandler, Catherine Bailey, Jay Bookbinder, Daniel Kelley, Stephen Smith, Megan Eckart

Proceedings Volume 7732, 773238 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.857783

KEYWORDS: X-rays, Sensors, Solar processes, Plasma, Image resolution, Solar energy, Gold, Imaging spectroscopy, Rockets, X-ray imaging

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 15 July 2008 Paper

Paper

Development of arrays of position-sensitive microcalorimeters for Constellation-X

Caroline Kilbourne, Megan Eckart, Fred Finkbeiner, John Sadleir, Stephen Smith, James Chervenak, Enectali Figueroa-Feliciano, Richard Kelley, Ari-D. Brown, Regis Brekosky, F. Scott Porter, Simon Bandler

Proceedings Volume 7011, 701126 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.790100

KEYWORDS: Image resolution, Semiconducting wafers, Sensors, Tellurium, Gold, X-rays, Composites, Bismuth, Optimal filtering, Silicon

Read Abstract +

Proceedings Article | 14 July 2008 Paper

Paper

Multiplexed readout of uniform arrays of TES x-ray microcalorimeters suitable for Constellation-X

W. Bertrand Doriese, Kent Irwin, Joel Ullom, Richard Kelley, Stephen Smith, Naoko Iyomoto, Megan Eckart, Gene Hilton, Ari-David Brown, James Chervenak, F. Scott Porter, Regis Brekosky, Caroline Kilbourne, Carl Reintsema, Simon Bandler, Fred Finkbeiner

Proceedings Volume 7011, 701104 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.790027

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Multiplexing, Multiplexers, Image resolution, X-rays, Superconductors, Terbium, Signal to noise ratio, Inductance, Staring arrays

Read Abstract +

Following our development of a superconducting transition-edge-sensor (TES) microcalorimeter design that en- ables reproducible, high performance (routinely better than 3 eV FWHM energy resolution at 6 keV) and is compatible with high-fill-factor arrays, we have directed our efforts towards demonstrating arrays of identical pixels using the multiplexed read-out concept needed for instrumenting the Constellation-X X-ray Microcalorime- ter Spectrometer (XMS) focal plane array. We have used a state-of-the-art, time-division SQUID multiplexer system to demonstrate 2 ×8 multiplexing (16 pixels read out with two signal channels) with an acceptably modest level of degradation in the energy resolution. The average resolution for the 16 multiplexed pixels was 2.9 eV, and the distribution of resolution values had a relative standard deviation of 5%. The performance of the array while multiplexed is well understood. The technical path to realizing multiplexing for the XMS instrument on the scale of 32 pixels per signal channel includes increasing the system bandwidth by a factor of four and reducing the non-multiplexed SQUID noise by a factor of two. In this paper we discuss the characteristics of a uniform 8 ×8 array and its performance when read out non- multiplexed and with various degrees of multiplexing. We present data acquired through the readout chain from the multiplexer electronics, through the real-time demultiplexer software, to storage for later signal processing. We also report on a demonstration of real-time data processing. Finally, because the multiplexer provides unprecedented simultaneous access to the pixels of the array, we were able to measure the array-scale uniformity of TES calorimeter parameters such as the individual thermal conductances and superconducting transition temperatures of the pixels. Detector uniformity is essential for optimal operation of a multiplexed array, and we found that the distributions of thermal conductances, transition temperatures, and transition slopes were sufficiently tight to avoid significant compromises in the operation of any pixel.

Proceedings Article | 18 September 2007 Paper

Paper

Uniform high spectral resolution demonstrated in arrays of TES x-ray microcalorimeters

Caroline Kilbourne, Ari -D. Brown, Naoko Iyomoto, James Chervenak, Enectali Figueroa-Feliciano, Richard Kelley, Fred Finkbeiner, Stephen Smith, F. Scott Porter, Simon Bandler

Proceedings Volume 6686, 668606 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.734830

KEYWORDS: X-rays, Gold, Sensors, Bismuth, Resistance, Superconductors, Spectral resolution, Quantum efficiency, Temperature metrology, Interference (communication)

Read Abstract +

Showing 5 of 38 publications

SIGN IN TO:

View contact details

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE

Is this your profile? Update it now.

Sign into your SPIE.org account

Don’t have a profile and want one?

Create an account on SPIE.org

Advertisement

Advertisement