Revealing the Physics of the Hot and Energetic Universe via Single-Photon-Counting Advanced X-Ray Microcalorimeter Systems

Executive Summary

We will advance space science by improving the capabilities of high-resolution x-ray microcalorimeter spectrometers used to characterize observations of astrophysical systems,including black holes and galaxy clusters, collected during space missions. If successful, the spectrometers’ improved capacity to capture the count-rate of photons and precise calibration will support national missions in space science by enabling researchers to collect more detailed observations of astrophysical systems of interest, including their temperatures, velocities, and compositions.