High Resolution X-Ray Spectroscopy Using Microcalorimeters

R L. Kelley; S S. Holt; G, M. Madejski; S H. Moseley; R. J. Schoelkopf; A. E. Szymkowiak; D. McCammon; B. Edwards; M. Juda; M. Skinner

doi:10.1117/12.948718

21 December 1988 High Resolution X-Ray Spectroscopy Using Microcalorimeters

R L. Kelley, S S. Holt, G, M. Madejski, S H. Moseley, R. J. Schoelkopf, A. E. Szymkowiak, D. McCammon, B. Edwards, M. Juda, M. Skinner

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 0982, X-Ray Instrumentation in Astronomy II; (1988) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.948718
Event: 32nd Annual International Technical Symposium on Optical and Optoelectronic Applied Science and Engineering, 1988, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The use of microcalorimeters for high-resolution, high quantum efficiency, non-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy has been demonstrated over the past few years. During this time the energy resolution in the 1-10 keV band has improved from a value of-140 eV (FWHM), comparable to the best solid-state (Si/Li) detectors, to a value of-17 eV. We are presently working on improving the energy resolution by designing devices that have been optimized with respect to heat capacity, thermal conductance, X-ray absorbing material, thermistor geometry and thermistor implant concentration. In addition we have been working on the design of an integrated spectrometer consisting of a He4 cryostat containing an adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator, non-X-ray blocking filters and control and signal processing electronics. The essential components for such a system have been assembled at the University of Wisconsin and a similar system is being developed at Goddard. These systems will demonstrate the feasibility of this approach for space flight use, in particular for the NASA AXAF mission, and serve as research tools for further work in X-ray calorimetry. In this paper we give an overview of X-ray calorimetry, present the results of on-going X-ray tests, and discuss an approach for building an X-ray calorimeter spectrometer.

Citation Download Citation

R L. Kelley, S S. Holt, G, M. Madejski, S H. Moseley, R. J. Schoelkopf, A. E. Szymkowiak, D. McCammon, B. Edwards, M. Juda, and M. Skinner "High Resolution X-Ray Spectroscopy Using Microcalorimeters", Proc. SPIE 0982, X-Ray Instrumentation in Astronomy II, (21 December 1988); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.948718

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available