The X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) is an instrument of European Space Agency's future NewAthena space observatory, with the goal to provide high-energy resolution (<4 eV at X-ray energies up to 7 keV) and high-spatial resolution (9 in.) spectroscopic imaging over the X-ray energy range from 200 eV to 12 keV, by means of an array of ∼1500 transition-edge sensors (TESs) read out via superconducting quantum interference device time-division multiplexing (TDM). A TDM-based laboratory test bed has been assembled at Netherlands Institute for Space Research, hosting an array of 75×75 μm2 TESs that are read out via 2-column × 32-row TDM. A system component that is critical to high-performance operation is the wiring harness that connects the room-temperature electronics to the cryogenic readout componentry. We report here on our characterization of such a test bed, whose harness has a length close to what was envisioned for X-IFU, which allowed us to achieve a co-added energy resolution at a level of 2.7-eV full width half maximum at 6 keV via 32-row readout. In addition, we provide an outlook on the integration of TDM readout into the X-IFU focal plane assembly development model. ... Read more

Serious initiatives for high speed transport of vehicles/pods/capsules through evacuated tubes were presented in recent years. Most suggest magnetic levitation and linear motors of long-stator design, assuming passive pods. This paper takes a the different approach, yielding minimal energy use per distance per passenger and lowest initial cost. An active pod (short-stator) on wheels with an on-board battery, able to build up speed and regenerate effectively using an inexpensive passive track is proposed. In the stations, power is received from active track-coils to charge the on-board battery. Permanent magnet (PM) track sections enable thrust to speed-up and slow-down. A relatively small rotating induction motor on the wheels enables efficient coasting. Speeding up and slowing down with a linear motor at constant power is effective in terms of component utilization. A mere 100 W/kg (common in present commercial full electric cars) is sufficient to travel long distance at high speed on record low energy consumption (<10 Wh/km per passenger). ... Read more