Evaluation of the IR–UV blocking filters for ADR with a TES microcalorimeter

IR to UV blocking filters are indispensable for refrigerators of space missions, hence material and design of the filters determine overall X-ray detection efficiency. We have tested Toray–Lumirror ( C 10 H 8 O 4 ) and Parylene-N ( C 8 H 8 ) films with thin Al coating, installed in a portable ADR system with a TES microcalorimeter. Aperture cone structures are attached surrounding the films to protect them from adhesion of contaminants. The system was connected to the Manson X-ray generator with a vacuum duct, and the X-ray spectrum from the electron beam target was obtained by cooling down to 100 mK. We observed bremsstrahlung continuum and fluorescence lines from the electron target modified with C- and O-edges of the filters and strong C-/O-K α lines. We fitted the depth of each edge and determined the quantities of both elements in line of sight. The fit result is consistent with the expected values for C and Al, while suggesting 1.3 ± 0.3 μ m build-up of ice for O. We may need to contrive a way to avoid contaminant, e.g., introducing heaters.