X-ray detectors for space astrophysics missions are susceptible to noise caused by photons with energies outside the operating energy range; for this reason, efficient external optical blocking filters are required to shield the detector from the out-of-band radiation. These filters play a crucial role in meeting the scientific requirements of the X-ray detectors, and their proper operation over the life of the mission is essential for the success of the experimental activity. We studied thin sandwich membranes made of silicon nitride and aluminum as optical blocking filters for high-energy detectors in space missions. Here, we report the results of a multi-technique characterization of SiN membranes with thicknesses in the range from 40 nm to 145 nm coated with few tens of nanometers of aluminum on both sides. In particular, we have measured the X-ray transmission at synchrotron radiation beamlines, the rejection of ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared radiation, the amount of native oxide on the aluminum surfaces by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the morphology of the sample surfaces by atomic force microscopy, and the aging effects under proton irradiation.
In this paper, we present the first results from an investigation performed on nanometric thin pellicles based on carbon nanotubes (CNT) of potential interest for manufacturing large area optical blocking filters to protect soft x-ray detectors in astrophysics space missions. In order to evaluate the effective capability of such materials to block UV/VIS/IR radiation, while being highly transparent in the soft x-rays and strong enough to withstand the severe launch stresses, we have performed a suite of characterization measurements. These include: UV/VIS/IR and x-ray absorption spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy on bare and Al coated small self-standing pellicles; static mechanical tests on small freestanding samples.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.