Status of the Cryogenic Anti-Coincidence Detector (CryoAC) for the Athena X-Ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU)

Le résumé fourni par la source

The Cryogenic Anti-Coincidence detector (CryoAC) is a critical component of the Athena X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU), in order to fully exploit the instrument performance in the pursuit of high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy with Transition Edge Sensor (TES) detectors. Athena will be the upcoming large X-ray observatory by the European Space Agency (ESA) spanning the energy range of 0.2 to 12 keV. Recently, the mission has successfully undergone a redefinition process to align with new parameters set by ESA, and the launch is now scheduled for the mid-2030 s. The X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) represents one of the two instrumental components within the payload, functioning as a cryogenic spectrometer with a spectral resolution of about 4 eV at 7 keV. In this configuration, the CryoAC serves to mitigate the impact of cosmic ray-induced events on the spectrometer TES detectors, which compromises the sensitivity of X-ray measurements. The detector aims to identify and veto non-X-ray events, allowing measurement of faint or distant X-ray sources that will be submerged by background events. In particular, we will present the design and first experimental results of a new CryoAC sample, namely DM#144, developed on the basis of the experience gained with the last CryoAC prototypes. It is a possible candidate for the CryoAC DM1.1, the model to be tested in the future X-IFU FPA Demontration Model 1.1 campaign. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of the CryoAC for the Athena X-IFU TES detector, offering valuable insights into the ongoing development an design changes of the detector.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.