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Detector Assembly and the Ultralow-Temperature Refrigerator for XRSThe X-ray spectrometer (XRS) on the Japanese Astro-E Spacecraft is the first ultra low temperature space borne instrument. The system utilizes a 900g Ferric Ammonium Alum (FAA) Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerator (ADR) with a helium-3 gas gap heat switch to cool the detector assembly to 0.060K. The system operates in a "single shot" configuration allowing the system to remain at its operating temperature for about 40 hours in the lab. The on-orbit performance is expected to be about 35 hours with a 97% duty cycle. The detector assembly for XRS consists of a 32 channel microcalorimeter array bias electronics, thermometry, and an anti-coincidence detector that are attached to the cold stage of the ADR. To thermally Isolate the detector system from the superfluid helium reservoir, the detector system is suspended by Kevlar cords and electrical connection in made by L30, 17-micron diameter, tensioned NbTi leads. The detectors are read out in a source-follower arrangement using FET amplifiers operating at 130K mounted in multiply-thermally-isolated assemblies that also use Kevlar and stainless steel wiring. The design and thermal performance of this system will be discussed and compared to the theoretical limits.
Document ID
19990106566
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Porter, F. S. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Dipirro, M. J. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Kelley, R. L. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Pham, T. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Stahle, C. K. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Szymkowiak, A. E. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Tuttle, J. G. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Audley, M. D. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Gendraau, K. C. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Brekosky, R. P. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Gysax, J. D. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1999
Subject Category
Spacecraft Instrumentation
Meeting Information
Meeting: EUV, X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Instrumentation for Astronomy X
Location: Denver, CO
Country: United States
Start Date: July 18, 1999
End Date: July 23, 1999
Sponsors: International Society for Optical Engineering
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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