The Lunar Electromagnetic Monitor in X-rays (LEM-X) is a proposed all-sky observatory for the continuous monitoring of astrophysical sources and the rapid follow-up of high-energy transients from the surface of the Moon in the 2−50keV band. It consists of several pairs of coded-aperture cameras arranged in a dome-like structure. Each camera features a focal plane composed of four independent Detector Assemblies (DAs), each built around a large-area linear Silicon Drift Detector capable of both spectral-timing measurements and imaging. To perform the readout of the sensor, each of the 768 anodes (arranged on two separate rows) is connected to the analog input of an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), named NOVA, developed for the project in an effort to optimize the performance of the detector given the demanding constraints of inspace operation. The experimental characterization of the spectral capabilities of the NOVA ASIC was carried out on a prototype of the LEM-X DA. In it, a sensor having the same design as the LEM-X detector but only 64 readout anodes was coupled to two 32-channel NOVA ASICs. Anodewise X-ray spectra were acquired as a function of temperature and peaking time, yielding a median resolution of 163 eV at 5.89 keV at −20∘C, which is compatible with the instrument requirements.
Experimental Characterization of the Nova Asic for the Lem-X Mission Concept
Demenev, E.;Ficorella, F.;Pepponi, G.;Samusenko, A.;Zorzi, N.;
2025-01-01
Abstract
The Lunar Electromagnetic Monitor in X-rays (LEM-X) is a proposed all-sky observatory for the continuous monitoring of astrophysical sources and the rapid follow-up of high-energy transients from the surface of the Moon in the 2−50keV band. It consists of several pairs of coded-aperture cameras arranged in a dome-like structure. Each camera features a focal plane composed of four independent Detector Assemblies (DAs), each built around a large-area linear Silicon Drift Detector capable of both spectral-timing measurements and imaging. To perform the readout of the sensor, each of the 768 anodes (arranged on two separate rows) is connected to the analog input of an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), named NOVA, developed for the project in an effort to optimize the performance of the detector given the demanding constraints of inspace operation. The experimental characterization of the spectral capabilities of the NOVA ASIC was carried out on a prototype of the LEM-X DA. In it, a sensor having the same design as the LEM-X detector but only 64 readout anodes was coupled to two 32-channel NOVA ASICs. Anodewise X-ray spectra were acquired as a function of temperature and peaking time, yielding a median resolution of 163 eV at 5.89 keV at −20∘C, which is compatible with the instrument requirements.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
