X-Ray and Cryogenic Facility (XRCF) X-ray Characterization Test #2

X-ray Characterization Test #2 has been completed.  The team successfully reinstalled the thermal densing cylinder and the beam monitor structure in the vacuum chamber.  New Silicon Drift Detectors (SDD) were fitted to the beam monitor and beam mapper motion stage and wired through the chamber wall.  Objectives for the upcoming 10-day operation included collecting data sets from the new SDDs at various X-ray energies, producing a 2-D spatial maps of the X-ray beam at the chamber, measuring temporal stability of the X-ray sources, quantifying chamber cleanliness levels, and clearing punch list items from the recently completed facility control system graphical user interface update.  All objectives were completed in the allotted ten-day period; quick-look X-ray data review indicates that all systems are performing properly; detailed data analysis and comparison to historical data sets is underway.  This characterization test is part of the facility preparation activities in support of the Advanced Telescope for High Energy Astronomy’s Mirror Assembly Module Demonstrator (ATHENA MAMD) which is currently scheduled to arrive at XRCF in late 2023.

XRCF at Marshall
XRCF at Marshall
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