title: X-ray microcalorimeter based on superconducting transition edge sensors.
abstract: We have tried to realize an X-ray imaging spectrometer based on the superconducting transition edge sensor (TES) with high energy resolution, a large pixel array, a relatively high absorption efficiency and a high count rate. Our single pixel of Ir/Au TES achieved an excellent energy resolution of 9.4 eV for 5.9 keV X-rays. We have also proposed a pixellated array of Ir-TES where we slightly modify the bias point of each pixel and identify the pixel from the response function of each pixel. Our 10-pixel device, where all pixels are parallel biased, obtained 13 eV (FWHM) at 3 keV energy resolution and 80 microm position resolution. So far, we could successfully operate a 20-pixels device. Further, we are now trying to improve the count rate and the absorption efficiency of TESes, by developing our original new TES geometry which having a radiation absorber that self-adjusts the operating temperature.
authors.affiliation: Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency,5 Sanbancho, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-0075, Japan . ohno@n.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp
authors.forename: Masashi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ohno
authors.forename: Hiroyuki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Takahashi
authors.forename: R M Thushara
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Damayanthi
authors.forename: Yasuhiro
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Minamikawa
authors.forename: Fumiakira
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mori
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002151:Calorimetry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012834:Silver; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013696:Temperature; D014025:Titanium; D014965:X-Rays
chemical_list: D012834:Silver; D014025:Titanium