14-pixel, multiplexed array of gamma-ray microcalorimeters with 47 eV energy resolution at 103 keV

The authors present a prototype for a high-energy-resolution, high-count-rate, gamma-ray spectrometer intended for nuclear forensics and international nuclear safeguards. The prototype spectrometer is an array of 14 transition-edge-sensor microcalorimeters with an average energy resolution of 47 eV (full width at half maximum) at 103 keV. The resolution of the best pixel is 25 eV. A cryogenic, time-division multiplexer reads out the array. Several important topics related to microcalorimeter arrays are discussed, including cross-talk, the uniformity of detector bias conditions, fabrication of the arrays, and the multiplexed readout. The measurements and calculations demonstrate that a kilopixel array of high-resolution microcalorimeters is feasible. (C) 2007 American Institute of Physics.