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[43.29] The Development of TES X-ray Calorimeter Array Systems Suitable for Constellation-X

C. K. Stahle, K. R. Boyce (GSFC), S. Deiker (NIST Boulder), E. Figueroa-Feliciano, F. M. Finkbeiner, K. C. Gendreau (GSFC), G. C. Hilton, K. D. Irwin (NIST Boulder), R. L. Kelley, M. A. Lindeman (GSFC), J. M. Martinis, S. W. Nam (NIST Boulder), F. S. Porter (GSFC), D. A. Rudman (NIST Boulder), A. E. Szymkowiak (GSFC), D. A. Wollman (NIST Boulder)

The GSFC/NIST collaboration has been working to develop close-packed arrays of high-resolution microcalorimeters suitable for use on Constellation-X. These microcalorimeters use superconducting transition-edge sensors (TES), which are read out with superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). Rapid improvements in resolution, the inherent ease of arraying, and the ability to multiplex the read-out channels make the TES technology a promising match to the Constellation-X requirements of 2-eV resolution at 6 keV and at least 32 x 32 pixels. The resolution goal has already been met for soft x-rays with single-pixel devices. We will report on our latest progress towards understanding and optimizing TES pixels, implementing arrays, and developing spaceflight worthy read-outs.