Development of Compton camera for high-resolution and polarization X-ray spectroscopy

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K20527
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Research (Pioneering)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Medium-sized Section 16:Astronomy and related fields
• Research Institution: Rikkyo University
• Principal Investigator: YAMADA SHINYA 立教大学, 理学部, 准教授 (40612073)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 一戸 悠人 立教大学, 理学部, 助教 (30792519)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-07-30 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: X線天文学 / X線検出器 / 超伝導検出器

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Superconducting transition-edge sensors (TES) have the capability to significantly enhance the energy resolution in X-rays, though they require advanced cryogenic technology. An increase in the number of elements and the development of signal multiplexing are also necessary. In application of polarization and Compton events, it is crucial to expand the bandwidth and signal multiplexing. In this study, a system capable of reading approximately 80 pixels was developed, and signal acquisition was successfully confirmed. In the room temperature segment, the utilization of large-scale FPGAs and 1G-sample 14-bit AD converters has led to detailed examinations of 5G high-speed AD/DA and FPGA technologies for next-generation room temperature readouts. Throughout the research period, there has been progress in maturing the technology of superconducting transition-edge sensors and enhancing their application performance, as well as in comparative studies with X-ray and polarization observations.

Free Research Field

X線天文学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

この研究による超伝導遷移端検出器の基礎と応用的な発展は、X線観測の精度を飛躍的に向上させ、宇宙の詳細な構造や物理現象の解明に寄与するものである。また、エネルギー分解能の向上は物質分析技術の進展にも応用可能であり、より正確な物質の化学状態の把握や分析につながる可能性を秘めている。X線の偏光の測定にも応用可能な幾何学的な自由をもつ検出器であり、測定対象に応じて自由なデザインやカスタマイズが可能な検出器として、今後の活用が期待される。超伝導遷移端検出器の基礎となる極低温技術と高周波技術の両面の成熟度を高めることができたと考えている。