Developments on Frequency Domain Multiplexing Readout for Large Arrays of Transition-Edge Sensor X-ray Micro-calorimeters
D. Vaccaro (SRON–Netherlands Institute for Space Research)
H. Akamatsu (SRON–Netherlands Institute for Space Research, QUP International Center for Quantum-field Measurement Systems for Studies of the Universe and Particles)
L. Gottardi (SRON–Netherlands Institute for Space Research)
M. de Wit (SRON–Netherlands Institute for Space Research)
M.P. Bruijn (SRON–Netherlands Institute for Space Research)
J. van der Kuur (SRON–Netherlands Institute for Space Research)
K. Nagayoshi (SRON–Netherlands Institute for Space Research)
E. Taralli (SRON–Netherlands Institute for Space Research)
J.-R. Gao (TU Delft - ImPhys/Adam group, SRON–Netherlands Institute for Space Research)
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Abstract
At SRON, we have been developing X-ray TES micro-calorimeters as backup technology for the X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) of the Athena mission, demonstrating excellent resolving powers both under DC and AC bias. We also developed a frequency-domain multiplexing (FDM) readout technology, where each TES is coupled to a superconducting band-pass LC resonator and AC biased at MHz frequencies through a common readout line. The TES signals are summed at the input of a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), which performs a first amplification at cryogenic stage. Custom analog front-end electronics and digital boards take care of further amplifying the signals at room temperature and of the modulation/demodulation of the TES signals and bias carrier, respectively. We report on the most recent developments on our FDM technology, which involves a two-channel demonstration with a total of 70 pixels with a summed energy resolution of 2.34 ± 0.02 eV at 5.9 keV without spectral performance degradation with respect to single-channel operation. Moreover, we discuss prospects towards the scaling-up to a larger multiplexing factor up to 78 pixels per channel in a 1–6 MHz readout bandwidth.