The X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) is a next generation microcalorimeter planned for launch onboard the Athena observatory. Operating a matrix of 3840 superconducting Transition Edge Sensors at 90 mK, it will provide unprecedented spectro-imaging capabilities (2.5 eV resolution, for a field of view of 5') in the soft X-ray band (0.2 up to 12 keV), enabling breakthrough science. The definition of the instrument evolved along the phase A study and we present here an overview of its predicted performances and their modeling, illustrating how the design of the X-IFU meets its top-level scientific requirements. This article notably covers the energy resolution, count-rate capability, quantum efficiency and non X-ray background levels, highlighting their main drivers.

Peille, P., den Hartog, R., Macculi, C., Barbera, M., Lotti, S., Cucchetti, E., et al. (2018). The performance of the ATHENA X-ray Integral Field Unit. In Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering (pp. 161). SPIE [10.1117/12.2313720].

The performance of the ATHENA X-ray Integral Field Unit

Barbera, Marco;
2018-07-06

Abstract

The X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) is a next generation microcalorimeter planned for launch onboard the Athena observatory. Operating a matrix of 3840 superconducting Transition Edge Sensors at 90 mK, it will provide unprecedented spectro-imaging capabilities (2.5 eV resolution, for a field of view of 5') in the soft X-ray band (0.2 up to 12 keV), enabling breakthrough science. The definition of the instrument evolved along the phase A study and we present here an overview of its predicted performances and their modeling, illustrating how the design of the X-IFU meets its top-level scientific requirements. This article notably covers the energy resolution, count-rate capability, quantum efficiency and non X-ray background levels, highlighting their main drivers.
6-lug-2018
Settore FIS/05 - Astronomia E Astrofisica
978-1-5106-1952-4
Peille, P., den Hartog, R., Macculi, C., Barbera, M., Lotti, S., Cucchetti, E., et al. (2018). The performance of the ATHENA X-ray Integral Field Unit. In Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering (pp. 161). SPIE [10.1117/12.2313720].
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10447/302530
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