PHOTONIS’ New X-Ray Source Launches with ASTRO-H
to Map Clusters of Galaxies and Supernovas
Roden, NL - PHOTONIS Netherlands continues its tradition of space exploration with the recent launch of the ASTRO-H. This telescope is designed to observe cosmic X-Rays from supernovas, black holes and galaxy clusters. PHOTONIS designed and built the Modulated X-Ray Source (MXS) instrument which is installed on the telescope.
ASTRO-H will use X-Ray observations to study accreting material in the vicinity of high-energy celestial sources, such as black holes and supernova explosions. It will also provide maps and accurate spectra profiles of clusters of galaxies and supernova remains.
The Soft X-ray Spectrometer instrument on the ASTRO-H was built by the Japanese space agency JAXA/ISAS in collaboration with NASA/GSFC, with contributions from agencies in Europe, including SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research. PHOTONIS, together with SRON, created a new type of X-Ray source for the calibration of the new spectrometer on the ASTRO-H telescope.
High intensity X-Rays sources can overload the sensitive detector in the spectrometer. Therefore the Soft X-Ray Spectrometer (SXS) was designed with a filter wheel, developed by SRON and the University of Geneva.
The filter wheel modulates the intensity of the X-Rays reaching the spectrometer and thus enhances the quality of the observations. The filters can also be used to protect the spectrometer against micro-meteorite impacts.
The unique energy-separating capacity of the spectrometer requires a continuous correction for small fluctuations in the instrument’s energy scale in order to keep this scale calibrated. This is being done with a new type of on-board X-ray source. PHOTONIS' new Modulated X-Ray Source (MXS) is based on a known cold cathode concept, stimulated by a low power LED for easy modulation, combined with an innovative, lightweight X-ray transmissive anode. This device, mounted on the filter wheel of the spectrometer, acts as a calibration source with precisely known spectral lines. It is switched on when calibrations are needed and switched off in order not to confuse calibration X-rays with celestial X-rays.
(Liftoff at 33:55)
Related content
Nov 18th 2024
Exosens enters into negotiations to acquire Noxant
Exosens enters into exclusive negotiations to acquire Noxant, specialized in high performance cooled infrared cameras
San Francisco.
FROM Jan 25th 2025 TO Jan 30th 2025
BiOS & PHOTONICS WEST 2025
SPIE BiOS and Photonics West, two must-attend events for lasers, biomedical optics and biophotonic technologies, quantum, and optoelectronics.
Oct 28th 2024
9M 2024 Results
Exosens (Ticker: EXENS – ISIN: FR001400Q9V2), a high-tech company focused on providing mission and performance-critical amplification, detection and imaging technology, today announces its revenue and adjusted gross margin for the nine-month period ended 30 September 2024.
Oct 22nd 2024
Exosens announces agreement to acquire NVLS
Exosens announces agreement to acquire NVLS (Night Vision Laser Spain), specialist in night vision equipment
Pacifico Yokohama.
FROM Dec 04th 2024 TO Dec 06th 2024
ITE JAPAN 2024
Visit Exosens at ITE JAPAN 2024 in Pacifico Yokohama. Exosens will be presenting its extensive expertise in cutting-edge imaging technologies, spanning UV to LWIR wavelengths.
Oct 11th 2024
Photonis selected for UK MoD contract
Exosens’ subsidiary Photonis wins key role in UK MoD’s Talon fused weapon sight contract