Thesis
Characterizing detectors in support of SmallSat-based X-ray astronomy missions
University of Iowa
Master of Science (MS), University of Iowa
Autumn 2024
DOI: 10.25820/etd.007595
Abstract
The overarching goal of this research program is to develop and characterize technology to enable impactful X-ray astrophysics missions on small satellite (SmallSat) platforms. Firstly, with the goal of expanding the range and accessibility of available detectors for space-based soft X-ray observation, we made use of the Intermediate Energy X-ray (IEX) beamline at Argonne National Laboratory to determine the soft X-ray quantum efficiency of a commercially available Sony IMX290LLR-C back-illuminated (BI) complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) imaging sensor. Additionally, to address the proposed SmallSat-based Cal X-1 mission’s need for a high quantum efficiency, absolutely calibrated, ground-based X-ray detector, we outline a path for constructing and calibrating a pathfinder gas-flow proportional counter.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Characterizing detectors in support of SmallSat-based X-ray astronomy missions
- Creators
- Colin M Packard
- Contributors
- Casey DeRoo (Advisor)Philip Kaaret (Committee Member)Thomas Folland (Committee Member)Jasper Halekas (Committee Member)
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (MS), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Astronomy
- Date degree season
- Autumn 2024
- DOI
- 10.25820/etd.007595
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- x, 58 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright 2024 Colin M Packard
- Language
- English
- Date submitted
- 11/11/2024
- Description illustrations
- illustrations, graphs, tables
- Description bibliographic
- Includes bibliographical references (pages 52-58).
- Public Abstract (ETD)
- The overarching goal of this research program is to develop and characterize technology to enable impactful X-ray astrophysics missions on small satellite (SmallSat) platforms. Within this scope there are two distinct needs that this research seeks to address: the need for greater capability and accessibility of space-based detectors for lower energy (soft) X- rays, and the need for absolutely calibrated instruments to establish the X-ray “brightnesses” (absolute fluxes) of “standard candles” (celestial objects) for use in recalibrating the major X-ray observatories in orbit. The proposed SmallSat-based Cal X-1 mission seeks to establish the absolute X-ray fluxes (photons/second/area) of candidate X-ray standard candles with great enough cer- tainty that major orbital X-ray observatories can use their own observations of these objects to improve upon their existing calibrations. To address Cal X-1’s need for a very stringently calibrated detector for the ground-based calibration of their flight instruments, we outline a path for constructing and calibrating a pathfinder gas-flow proportional counter to meet their needs. With the additional goal of expanding the range and accessibility of available detectors for space-based soft X-ray observation, we made use of the Intermediate Energy X-ray (IEX) beamline at Argonne National Laboratory to determine the soft X-ray detection efficiency (quantum efficiency) of a commercially available Sony IMX290LLR-C backside-illuminated (BI) complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) imaging sensor.
- Academic Unit
- Physics and Astronomy
- Record Identifier
- 9984774549002771
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