Frequency domain multiplexing readout for large arrays of transition-edge sensors

• Published in: Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section A, Accelerators, spectrometers, detectors and associated equipment Vol. 1046; p. 167727
• Main Authors: Vaccaro, D., Akamatsu, H., Gottardi, L., van der Kuur, J., Nagayoshi, K., Taralli, E., de Wit, M., Bruijn, M.P., van der Linden, A.J., van Leeuwen, B.-J., van der Hulst, P., Ravensberg, K., de Vries, C.P., Kiviranta, M., Gao, J.-R., den Herder, J.W.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 11.01.2023
• Subjects: Athena X-IFU; Frequency domain multiplexing; Squid; Superconductivity; Transition-edge sensors; X-ray micro-calorimeters; Transition-edge sensors; X-ray micro-calorimeters; Frequency domain multiplexing; Squid; Athena X-IFU; Superconductivity
• ISSN: 0168-9002; 1872-9576; 1872-9576
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nima.2022.167727

We report our most recent progress and demonstration of a frequency domain multiplexing (FDM) readout technology for transition-edge sensor (TES) arrays, both of which we have been developing in the framework of the X-IFU instrument on board the future Athena X-ray telescope. Using Ti/Au TES micro-calorimeters, high-Q LC filters and analog/digital electronics developed at SRON and low-noise two-stage SQUID amplifiers from VTT Finland, we demonstrated the feasibility of our FDM readout technology, with the simultaneous readout of 37 pixels with an energy resolution of 2.23 eV at an energy of 6 keV. We finally outline our plans for further scaling up and improving our technology in the future.