arXiv subjects

Jan van der Kuur

Publications and source records attributed to Jan van der Kuur.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

System performance of a cryogenic test-bed for the time-division multiplexing readout for NewAthena X-IFU

The X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) is an instrument of ESA'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") spectroscopic imaging over the X-ray energy range from 200 eV to 12 keV, by means of an array of about 1500 transition-edge sensors (TES) read out via SQUID time-division multiplexing (TDM). A TDM-based laboratory test-bed has been assembled at SRON, hosting an array of $75\times 75\ \upmu$m$^2$ TESs that are read out via 2-column $\times$ 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 envisioned for X-IFU, which allowed to achieve a co-added energy resolution at a level of 2.7~eV FWHM 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.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2023

High-sensitivity transition-edge-sensed bolometers: improved speed and characterization with AC and DC bias

We report on efforts to improve the speed of low-G far-infrared transition-edged-sensed bolometers. We use a fabrication process that does not require any dry etch steps to reduce heat capacity on the suspended device and measure a reduction in the detector time constant. However, we also measure an increase in the temperature-normalized thermal conductance (G), and a corresponding increase in the noise-equivalent power (NEP). We employ a new near-IR photon-noise technique using a near-IR laser to calibrate the frequency-domain multiplexed AC system and compare the results to a well-understood DC circuit. We measure an NEP white noise level of 0.8 aW/rtHz with a 1/f knee below 0.1 Hz and a time constant of 3.2 ms.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2023

Simulation and Measurement of Out-of-Band Resonances for the FDM Readout of a TES Bolometer

With applications in cosmology, infrared astronomy and CMB survey, frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) proved to be a viable readout for transition-edge sensors (TES). We investigate the occurrence of out-of-band resonances (OBR) which could constrain the bandwidth of the FDM readout of TES bolometers. The study includes SPICE modeling of the entire setup including the cryogenic harness, LC filters, Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) and room-temperature amplifier. Simulation results show that the long harness (for flight model) could cause multiple reflections that generate repetitive spikes in the spectrum. Peaks of the OBR are mainly due to the parasitic capacitances at the input of SQUID. Implementing a low-pass RC circuit (snubber) at the input of the SQUID dampened the OBR. As a result, the first peak only appears around 20 MHz which is a safe margin for the 1 MHz-3.8 MHz FDM in use in the prototype readout. Using a spectrum analyzer and broadband LNAs,we also measured the OBR for the prototype FDM readout in the lab up to 500 MHz. The measurement was conducted at temperatures of 50 mK and 4 K and for various biasing of the DC SQUID. It turns out that OBR are more intense at 50 mK and are caused by the harness impedance mismatch rather than the SQUID. Simulation codes and supporting materials are available at https://github.com/githubamin/LT-Spice-Simulation-of-FDM-readout.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2022

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

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 feasibility of our FDM readout technology, with the simultaneous readout of 37 pixels with an energy resolution at of 2.23 eV at an energy of 6 keV. We finally outline our plans for further scaling up and improving our technology.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2022

Susceptibility study of TES micro-calorimeters for X-ray spectroscopy under FDM readout

We present a characterization of the sensitivity of TES X-ray micro-calorimeters to environmental conditions under frequency-domain multiplexing (FDM) readout. In the FDM scheme, each TES in a readout chain is in series with a LC band-pass filter and AC biased with an independent carrier at MHz range. Using TES arrays, cold readout circuitry and warm electronics fabricated at SRON and SQUIDs produced at VTT Finland, we characterize the sensitivity of the detectors to bias voltage, bath temperature and magnetic field. We compare our results with the requirements for the Athena X-IFU instrument, showing the compliance of the measured sensitivities. We find in particular that FDM is intrinsically insensitive to the magnetic field because of TES design and AC readout.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2021

Thermal crosstalk of X-ray transition-edge sensor micro-calorimeters under frequency domain multiplexing readout

We have measured and characterized the thermal crosstalk in two different arrays of transition-edge sensor (TES) X-ray micro-calorimeters with frequency-domain multiplexing (FDM) readout. The TES arrays are fabricated at SRON and are a 8$\times$8 and a 32$\times$32 "kilo-pixel" uniform array. The amount of crosstalk is evaluated as the ratio between the averaged crosstalk signal and the X-ray pulse amplitudes. The crosstalk ratios (CR) for our detectors are compliant with the requirements for future X-ray space missions, such as Athena X-IFU (CR$< 10^{-3}$ for first-neighbour pixels): we measured a nearest-neighbour thermal crosstalk ratio at a level of $10^{-4}$, with a highest crosstalk ratio of $4\times 10^{-4}$ for the kilo-pixel array (worst case, center of array) and $1\times 10^{-4}$ for the 8$\times$8 array, with a margin of improvement achievable by optimizing the Cu metallization and the width of the Si supporting structures (muntins) in the backside of the TES array chip. Based on the measured crosstalk ratios, we have estimated the impact on the spectral resolution by means of noise equivalent power (NEP) considerations and a Monte Carlo simulation, finding an average degradation in quadrature of less than 40~meV, compliant with the < 0.2~eV requirement for Athena X-IFU.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2021

A test platform for the detection and readout chain for the Athena X-IFU

We present a test platform for the Athena X-IFU detection chain, which will serve as the first demonstration of the representative end-to-end detection and readout chain for the X-IFU, using prototypes of the future flight electronics and currently available subsystems. This test bench, housed in a commercial two-stage ADR cryostat, includes a focal plane array placed at the 50 mK cold stage of the ADR with a kilopixel array of transition-edge sensor microcalorimeter spectrometers and associated cold readout electronics. Prototype room temperature electronics for the X-IFU provide the readout, and will evolve over time to become more representative of the X-IFU mission baseline. The test bench yields critical feedback on subsystem designs and interfaces, in particular the warm readout electronics, and will provide an in-house detection system for continued testing and development of the warm readout electronics and for the validation of X-ray calibration sources. In this paper, we describe the test bench subsystems and design, characterization of the cryostat, and current status of the project.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2021

Frequency Shift Algorithm: Design of a Baseband Phase Locked Loop for Frequency-Domain Multiplexing Readout of X-ray Transition-Edge Sensor Microcalorimeters

The Transition-Edge Sensor (TES) is an extremely sensitive device which is used to measure the energy of individual X-ray photons. For astronomical spectrometry applications, SRON develops a Frequency Domain Multiplexing (FDM) read-out system for kilopixel arrays of such TESs. Each TES is voltage biased at a specific frequency in the range 1 to 5 MHz. Isolation between the individual pixels is obtained through very narrow-band (high-Q) lithographic LC resonators. To prevent energy resolution degradation due to intermodulation line noise, the bias frequencies are distributed on a regular grid. The requirements on the accuracy of the LC resonance frequency are very high. The deviation of the resonance frequencies due to production tolerances is significant with respect to the bandwidth, and a controller is necessary to compensate for the LC series impedance. We present two such controllers: a simple orthogonal proportional-integrating (PI) controller and a more complex impedance estimator. Both controllers operate in baseband and try to make the TES current in-phase with the bias voltage, effectively operating as phase-locked loops (PLL). They allow off-LC-resonance operation of the TES pixels, while preserving TES thermal response and energy resolution. Extensive experimental results -- published in a companion paper recently -- with the proposed methods, show that these controllers allow the preservation of single pixel energy resolution in multiplexed operation.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2018

Two SQUID amplifiers intended to alleviate the summing node inductance problem in multiplexed arrays of Transition Edge Sensors

Frequency Domain Multiplexed detector arrays constructed of superconducting Transition Edge Sensors in the current-summing configuration suffer from the finite impedance of the summing node which should ideally be zero. We suggest two circuits to alleviate the effect. The first circuit uses a capacitive resonant transformer to increase the voltages and decrease the currents of TES signals to overcome the parasitic inductance of the interconnections. On the SQUID chip impedance transform to the opposite direction takes place. The second circuit implements a power combiner having a better branch-to-branch isolation than a simple T-junction. Two SQUID devices have been designed and fabricated for a proof-of-principle demonstration of the circuits.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2016

Development of frequency domain multiplexing for the X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) on the Athena

We are developing the frequency domain multiplexing (FDM) read-out of transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeters for the X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) instrument on board of the future European X-Ray observatory Athena. The X-IFU instrument consists of an array of $\sim$3840 TESs with a high quantum efficiency ($>$90 \%) and spectral resolution $ΔE$=2.5 eV $@$ 7 keV ($E/ΔE\sim$2800). FDM is currently the baseline readout system for the X-IFU instrument. Using high quality factor LC filters and room temperature electronics developed at SRON and low-noise two stage SQUID amplifiers provided by VTT, we have recently demonstrated good performance with the FDM readout of Mo/Au TES calorimeters with Au/Bi absorbers. An integrated noise equivalent power resolution of about 2.0 eV at 1.7 MHz has been demonstrated with a pixel from a new TES array from NASA/Goddard (GSFC-A2). We have achieved X-ray energy resolutions $\sim$2.5 eV at AC bias frequency at 1.7 MHz in the single pixel read-out. We have also demonstrated for the first time an X-ray energy resolution around 3.0 eV in a 6 pixel FDM read-out with TES array (GSFC-A1). In this paper we report on the single pixel performance of these microcalorimeters under MHz AC bias, and further results of the performance of these pixels under FDM.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2016

Characterisation of a TES-Based X-ray Microcalorimeter in the Energy Range from 150 to 1800 eV Using an Adiabatic Demagnetisation Refrigerator

We characterised a TES-based X-ray microcalorimeter in an adiabatic demagnetisation refrigerator (ADR) using synchrotron radiation. The detector response and energy resolution was measured at the beam-line in the PTB radiometry laboratory at the electron storage ring BESSY II in the range from 200 to 1800 eV. We present and discuss the results of the energy resolution measurements as a function of energy, beam intensity and detector working point. The measured energy resolution ranges between 1.5 to 2.1 eV in the investigated energy range and is weakly dependent on the detector set point. A first analysis shows a count-rate capability, without considerable loss of performance, of about 500 counts per second.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2016

Study of the dependency on magnetic field and bias voltage of an AC-biased TES microcalorimeter

At SRON we are studying the performance of a Goddard Space Flight Center single pixel TES microcalorimeter operated in an AC bias configuration. For x-ray photons at 6 keV the pixel shows an x-ray energy resolution $dE_{FWHM} = 3.7\mathrm{eV}$, which is about a factor 2 worse than the energy resolution observed in an identical DC-biased pixel. In order to better understand the reasons for this discrepancy we characterised the detector as a function of temperature, bias working point and applied perpendicular magnetic field. A strong periodic dependency of the detector noise on the TES AC bias voltage is measured. We discuss the results in the framework of the recently observed weak-link behaviour of a TES microcalorimeter

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2016

AC bias characterization of low noise bolometers for SAFARI using an Open-Loop Frequency Domain SQUID-based multiplexer operating between 1 and 5 MHz

SRON is developing the Frequency Domain Multiplexing (FDM) readout and the ultra low NEP TES bolometers array for the infrared spectrometer SAFARI on board of the Japanese space mission SPICA. The FDM prototype of the instrument requires critical and complex optimizations. For single pixel characterization under AC bias we are developing a simple FDM system working in the frequency range from 1 to 5 MHz, based on the open loop read-out of a linearized two-stage SQUID amplifier and high Q lithographic LC resonators. We describe the details of the experimental set-up required to achieve low power loading (< 1 fW) and low noise (NEP $\sim 10^{-19} W/Hz^{1/2}$) in the TES bolometers. We conclude the paper by comparing the performance of a $4 \cdot 10^{-19} W/Hz^{1/2}$ TES bolometer measured under DC and AC bias.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2016

Performance of an X-ray single pixel TES microcalorimeter under DC and AC biasing

We are developing Frequency Domain Multiplexing (FDM) for the read-out of TES imaging microcalorimeter arrays for future X-ray missions like IXO. In the FDMconfiguration the TES is AC voltage biased at a well defined frequencies (between 0.3 to 10MHz) and acts as an AM modulating element. In this paper we will present a full comparison of the performance of a TES microcalorimeter under DC bias and AC bias at a frequency of 370kHz. In both cases we measured the current-to-voltage characteristics, the complex impedance, the noise, the X-ray responsivity, and energy resolution. The behaviour is very similar in both cases, but deviations in performances are observed for detector working points low in the superconducting transition (R/RN < 0.5). The measured energy resolution at 5.89keV is 2.7eV for DC bias and 3.7eV for AC bias, while the baseline resolution is 2.8eV and 3.3eV, respectively.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2016

A multiplexer for the ac/dc characterization of TES based bolometers and microcalorimeters

At SRON we are developing the Frequency Domain Multiplexing (FDM) for the read-out of the TES-based detector array for the future infrared and X-ray space mission. We describe the performances of a multiplexer designed to increase the experimental throughput in the characterisation of ultra-low noise equivalent power (NEP) TES bolometers and high energy resolving power X-ray microcalorimeters arrays under ac and dc bias. We discuss the results obtained using the TiAu TES bolometers array fabricated at SRON with measured dark NEP below $5\cdot 10^{-19}W/Hz^{1/2}$ and saturation power of several fW

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2016

Weak-Link Phenomena in AC-Biased Transition Edge Sensors

It has been recently demonstrated that superconducting transition edge sensors (TESs) behave as weak-links due to longitudinally induced superconductivity from the leads with higher Tc. In this work we study the implication of this behaviour for TES-based bolometers and microcalorimeter under ac bias. The TESs are read-out at frequencies between 1 and 5 MHz by a Frequency Domain Multiplexer based on a linearised two-stage SQUID amplifier and high- Q lithographically made superconducting LC resonators. In particular, we focus on SRON TiAu TES bolometers with a measured dark Noise Equivalent Power (NEP) of $3.2 \cdot 10^{-19} W/Hz^{1/2}$ developed for the short wavelength band for the instrument SAFARI on the SPICA telescope.

cond-mat.supr-con↗

arXiv2016

Development of the superconducting detectors and read-out for the X-IFU instrument on board of the X-ray observatory Athena

The Advanced Telescope for High-Energy Astrophysics (Athena) has been selected by ESA as its second large-class mission. The future European X-ray observatory will study the hot and energetic Universe with its launch foreseen in 2028. Microcalorimeters based on superconducting Transition-edge sensor (TES) are the chosen technology for the detectors array of the X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) on board of Athena. The X-IFU is a 2-D imaging integral-field spectrometer operating in the soft X-ray band (0.3 -12 keV). The detector consists of an array of 3840 TESs coupled to X-ray absorbers and read out in the MHz bandwidth using Frequency Domain Multiplexing (FDM) based on Superconducting QUantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs). The proposed design calls for devices with a high filling-factor, high quantum efficiency, relatively high count-rate capability and an energy resolution of 2.5 eV at 5.9 keV. The paper will review the basic principle and the physics of the TES-based microcalorimeters and present the state-of-the art of the FDM read-out.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2016

Josephson effects in an alternating current biased transition edge sensor

We report the experimental evidence of the ac Josephson effect in a transition edge sensor (TES) operating in a frequency domain multiplexer and biased by ac voltage at MHz frequencies. The effect is observed by measuring the non-linear impedance of the sensor. The TES is treated as a weakly linked superconducting system and within the resistively shunted junction model framework. We provide a full theoretical explanation of the results by finding the analytic solution of the non-inertial Langevian equation of the system and calculating the non-linear response of the detector to a large ac bias current in the presence of noise.

physics.ins-det↗