Characterization of CryoAC Demonstration Model 1.1 Candidates for the Athena X-IFU Instrument
Abstract
The Cryogenic AntiCoincidence detector (CryoAC) is a TES-based auxiliary detector designed to reduce the particle background of the X-IFU instrument onboard the Athena X-ray observatory. In preparation for integration with the Focal Plane Assembly (FPA), we characterized two nearly identical CryoAC Demonstration Models (DM143 and DM144, the latter being selected as DM1.1) to assess their performance and evaluate the replicability and robustness of the fabrication process. We present here the results of transition curve measurements, thermal conductance evaluation between the TES, the absorber, and the thermal bath, as well as current-voltage characterization. The performance was validated using both background particle events and shielded radioactive sources (55Fe and241Am).
Fields of Study & Subjects
Superconducting and THz Device Technology
Nuclear Physics and Applications
Radiation Therapy and Dosimetry
Publication details
- Journal / source
- IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity
- Publisher
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
- Volume
- 36
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 1–7
- Publication date
- 12 January 2026
- Language
- EN