Search

The European Space Agency is studying two large-class missions bound to operate in the decade of the 30s, and aiming at investigating the most energetic and violent phenomena in the Universe. Athena is poised to study the physical conditions of baryons locked in large-scale structures from the epoch of their formation, as well as to yield an accurate census of accreting supermassive black holes down to the epoch of reionization; LISA will extend the hunt for Gravitational Wave (GW) events to the hitherto unexplored mHz regime. We discuss in this paper the science that their concurrent operation could yield, and present possible Athena observational strategies. We focus on Supermassive (M |$\lesssim 10^7\, \rm {M_\odot }$|⁠) Black Hole Mergers (SMBHMs), potentially accessible to Athena up to z ∼ 2. The simultaneous measurement of their electromagnetic (EM) and GW signals may enable unique experiments in the domains of astrophysics, fundamental physics, and cosmography, such as the magnetohydrodynamics of fluid flows in a rapidly variable space–time, the formation of coronae and jets in Active Galactic Nuclei, and the measurement of the speed of GW, among others. Key to achieve these breakthrough results will be the LISA capability of locating a SMBHM event with an error box comparable to, or better than the field-of-view of the Athena Wide Field Imager (⁠|$\simeq 0.4\,$|  deg2) and Athena capability to slew fast to detect the source during the inspiral phase and the post-merger phase. Together, the two observatories will open in principle the exciting possibility of truly concurrent EM and GW studies of the SMBHMs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multimessenger observations of GW170817 have not conclusively established whether the merger remnant is a black hole (BH) or a neutron star (NS). We show that a long-lived magnetized NS with a poloidal field B ≈ 1012 G is fully consistent with the electromagnetic dataset, when spin-down losses are dominated by gravitational wave (GW) emission. The required ellipticity ε ≳ 10−5 can result from a toroidal magnetic field component much stronger than the poloidal component, a configuration expected from an NS newly formed from a merger. Abrupt magnetic dissipation of the toroidal component can lead to the appearance of X-ray flares, analogous to the one observed in gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglows. In the X-ray afterglow of GW170817, we identify a low-significance (≳3σ) temporal feature at 155 d, consistent with a sudden reactivation of the central NS. Energy injection from the NS spin-down into the relativistic shock is negligible, and the underlying continuum is fully accounted for by a structured jet seen off-axis. Whereas radio and optical observations probe the interaction of this jet with the surrounding medium, observations at X-ray wavelengths, performed with adequate sampling, open a privileged window on to the merger remnant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present our broad-band study of GW170817 from radio to hard X-rays, including NuSTAR and Chandra observations up to 165  d after the merger, and a multimessenger analysis including LIGO constraints. The data are compared with predictions from a wide range of models, providing the first detailed comparison between non-trivial cocoon and jet models. Homogeneous and power-law shaped jets, as well as simple cocoon models are ruled out by the data, while both a Gaussian shaped jet and a cocoon with energy injection can describe the current data set for a reasonable range of physical parameters, consistent with the typical values derived from short GRB afterglows. We propose that these models can be unambiguously discriminated by future observations measuring the post-peak behaviour, with Fν ∝ t∼−1.0 for the cocoon and Fν∝ t∼−2.5 for the jet model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ATHENA+ is a space mission proposal for the next ESA L2-L3 slot. One of the focal plane instruments is the X-ray integral field unit (X-IFU) working in the energy range 0.3-10 keV. It is a multi-array based on TES detectors aimed at characterizing faint or diffuse sources (e.g. WHIM or galaxy outskirt). The X-IFU will be able to achieve the required sensitivity if a low background is guaranteed. The studies performed by GEANT4 simulations depict a scenario where the use of an active anticoincidence (AC) is mandatory to reduce the background expected in L2 orbit down to the goal level of 0.005 cts cm $$^{-2}$$ s $$^{-1}$$ keV $$^{-1}$$ . This is possible using a cryogenic anticoincidence (CryoAC) detector placed within a proper optimized environment surrounding the X-IFU. We propose a 2 $$\times $$ 2 array of microcalorimeter detectors made by silicon absorber (each of about 1 cm $$^{2}$$ and 300 $$\upmu $$ m thick) and sensed by an Ir TES. In order to better understand the involved physics and optimize the performance, we have produced several samples featured by different absorber areas, TES size, and QPs Al collectors. Here we will discuss, as a review, the obtained results and the related impact to the final detector design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How structures of various scales formed and evolved from the early Universe up to present time is a fundamental question of astrophysical cosmology. EDGE (Piro et al., ) will trace the cosmic history of the baryons from the early generations of massive stars by Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) explosions, through the period of galaxy cluster formation, down to the very low redshift Universe, when between a third and one half of the baryons are expected to reside in cosmic filaments undergoing gravitational collapse by dark matter (the so-called warm hot intragalactic medium). In addition EDGE, with its unprecedented capabilities, will provide key results in many important fields. These scientific goals are feasible with a medium class mission using existing technology combined with innovative instrumental and observational capabilities by: (a) observing with fast reaction Gamma-Ray Bursts with a high spectral resolution. This enables the study of their star-forming and host galaxy environments and the use of GRBs as back lights of large scale cosmological structures; (b) observing and surveying extended sources (galaxy clusters, WHIM) with high sensitivity using two wide field of view X-ray telescopes (one with a high angular resolution and the other with a high spectral resolution). The mission concept includes four main instruments: a Wide-field Spectrometer (0.1–2.2 eV) with excellent energy resolution (3 eV at 0.6 keV), a Wide-Field Imager (0.3–6 keV) with high angular resolution (HPD = 15”) constant over the full 1.4 degree field of view, and a Wide Field Monitor (8–200 keV) with a FOV of ¼ of the sky, which will trigger the fast repointing to the GRB. Extension of its energy response up to 1 MeV will be achieved with a GRB detector with no imaging capability. This mission is proposed to ESA as part of the Cosmic Vision call. We will outline the science drivers and describe in more detail the payload of this mission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the discovery of two emission features observed in the x-ray spectrum of the afterglow of the gamma-ray burst (GRB) of 16 December 1999 by the Chandra X-ray Observatory. These features are identified with the Ly[sub alpha] tine and the narrow recombination continuum by hydrogenic ions of iron at a redshift z = 1.00 +/- 0.02, providing an unambiguous measurement of the distance of a GRB. Line width and intensity imply that the progenitor of the GRB was a massive star system that ejected, before the GRB event, a quantity of iron Is similar to 0.01 of the mass of the sun at a velocity Is similar to 0.1 of the speed of light, probably by a supernova explosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We preset first results of the long term monitoring of Seyfert Galaxies with BeppoSAX Wide Field Cameras (WFCs). We have firstly examined the data of the Seyfert 1.5 NGC 4151, This object is known to be one of the brightest Seyferts ranging from few to about 15 mCrab in the 2 - 10 keV energy range. As of September 13, 1998, the sky region containing NGC 4151 has been observed by WFCs in secondary mode (i.e., when the narrow field instruments are performing prime observations) about 80 times. We report here the results of the analysis of 21 observations. The minimum flux at which the source was detected is ∼ 4 mCrab, In June of this year we found the source at ∼ 20 mCrab, the highest state ever recorded. The study of the light curve of the very faint and stable source Cas A gives a preliminary assessment of systematic errors of ∼20%. The preliminary results obtained, confirm that the WFCs are powerful tools for the study of bright AGN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A program for developing TES Ir–Au microcalorimeters for contributions to the XEUS detector and for applications to future Italian X-ray astronomy missions is under course. In particular, we will briefly describe ESTREMO, currently one of the possible options in the future national plans. Its main scientific goals are the spectroscopic study of extreme astrophysical objects, characterized by very large energy release over short time scale, in particular gamma-ray bursts and transient compact objects, and the study of the early and close-by Universe by using gamma-ray bursts as cosmological beacons. Presently, the energy resolution of our Ir–Au detector has been improved to about 5eV at 6keV, with rise time of about 10μs and fall time of few hundreds of microseconds. We are developing and studying the suitable absorbers for high count rate performances. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

IMBOSS is an experiment based on X-ray microcalorimeters and aimed to perform a high spectral resolution all-sky survey. One of the primary scientific goals is the observation of the baryon “missing” matter at z<2. This is expected to be in the form of a warm-hot medium emitting in soft X-rays. We aim to detect and study the WHIM via X-ray emission lines. Another key goal is the detection of X-ray features in the prompt emission of GRBs, ultimately leading to a measurement of z for those class of GRBs still embedded in the mystery. Finally, a high-resolution spectroscopy survey will clarify the origin of the many components thought to make up the diffuse galactic X-ray emission. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We are developing the Cryogenic AntiCoincidence detector (CryoAC) of the ATHENA X-IFU spectrometer. It is a TES-based particle detector aimed to reduce the background of the instrument. Here, we present the result obtained with the last CryoAC single-pixel prototype. It is based on a 1 cm2 silicon absorber sensed by a single 2 mm × 1 mm Ir/Au TES, featuring an on-chip heater for calibration and diagnostic purposes. We have illuminated the sample with 55Fe (6 keV line) and 241Am (60 keV line) radioactive sources, thus studying the detector response and the heater calibration accuracy at low energy. Furthermore, we have operated the sample in combination with a past-generation CryoAC prototype. Here, by analyzing the coincident detections between the two detectors, we have been able to characterize the background spectrum of the laboratory environment and disentangle the primary (i.e. cosmic muons) and secondaries (mostly secondary photons and electrons) signatures in the spectral shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneous Swift and Fermi observations of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) offer a unique broadband view of their afterglow emission, spanning more than 10 decades in energy. We present the sample of X-ray flares observed by both Swift and Fermi during the first three years of Fermi operations. While bright in the X-ray band, X-ray flares are often undetected at lower (optical), and higher (MeV to GeV) energies. We show that this disfavors synchrotron self-Compton processes as the origin of the observed X-ray emission. We compare the broadband properties of X-ray flares with the standard late internal shock model, and find that in this scenario, X-ray flares can be produced by a late-time relativistic (Γ > 50) outflow at radii R ∼ 1013-1014 cm. This conclusion holds only if the variability timescale is significantly shorter than the observed flare duration, and implies that X-ray flares can directly probe the activity of the GRB central engine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The X-IFU is the cryogenic spectrometer onboard the future ATHENA X-ray observatory. It is based on a large array of TES microcalorimeters, which work in combination with a Cryogenic AntiCoincidence detector (CryoAC). This is necessary to reduce the particle background level thus enabling part of the mission science goals. Here we present the first joint test of X-IFU TES array and CryoAC Demonstration Models, performed in a FDM setup. We show that it is possible to operate properly both detectors, and we provide a preliminary demonstration of the anti-coincidence capability of the system achieved by the simultaneous detection of cosmic muons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray emission from the gravitational wave transient GW170817 is well described as non-thermal afterglow radiation produced by a structured relativistic jet viewed off-axis. We show that the X-ray counterpart continues to be detected at 3.3 years after the merger. Such long-lasting signal is not a prediction of the earlier jet models characterized by a narrow jet core and a viewing angle ≈20 deg, and is spurring a renewed interest in the origin of the X-ray emission. We present a comprehensive analysis of the X-ray dataset aimed at clarifying existing discrepancies in the literature, and in particular the presence of an X-ray rebrightening at late times. Our analysis does not find evidence for an increase in the X-ray flux, but confirms a growing tension between the observations and the jet model. Further observations at radio and X-ray wavelengths would be critical to break the degeneracy between models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cladribine has been reported to have little activity in fludarabinerefractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We sought to determine whether resistance to therapy with cladribine in fludarabine-refractory CLL patients represented primary drug resistance or the inability to tolerate the myelosuppression associated with this therapy. Patients with fludarabine refractory CLL patients without severe thrombocytopenia (platelets ≥50 × 10[sup 9]/I) or granulocytopenia (neutrophils >1.5 × 10[sup 9]/I) were enrolled. All patients received cladribine (0.14 mg/kg) as a 2-h intravenous infusion daily for 5 days, repeated every 4 weeks. Patients received up to six cycles of therapy. Twenty-eight patients enrolled; 13 had intermediate (Rai stage I or II) and 15 high (Rai stage III and IV) risk stages. No patient had a complete remission, but nine (32%; 95% confidence interval, 15-49%) attained a partial remission when assessed using the modified NCl criteria (1996). The median time to relapse for responders was 12 months, while median progression-free survival for the entire group was 9 months (95% confidence interval, 4-14 months). The median overall survival was 2.2 years (95% confidence interval, 0.8-3.1 years). Response was predicted by pre-treatment Rai status with seven of 13 (54%) intermediate risk vs two of 15 (13%) high-risk patients responding (P = 0.04). Toxicity was myelosuppression and infections (grade 3-5: neutropenia 75%, thrombocytopenia 68%, and infections 43%). Cladribine has modest clinical activity and considerable toxicity in a very selected group of patients with fludarabine-refractory CLL lacking pre-treatment neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GRB 200522A is a short duration gamma-ray burst (GRB) at redshift z = 0.554 characterized by a bright infrared counterpart. A possible, although not unambiguous, interpretation of the observed emission is the onset of a luminous kilonova powered by a rapidly rotating and highly magnetized neutron star, known as magnetar. A bright radio flare, arising from the interaction of the kilonova ejecta with the surrounding medium, is a prediction of this model. Whereas the available data set remains open to multiple interpretations (e.g. afterglow, r-process kilonova, magnetar-powered kilonova), long-term radio monitoring of this burst may be key to discriminate between models. We present our late-time upper limit on the radio emission of GRB 200522A, carried out with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array at 288 d after the burst. For kilonova ejecta with energy E ej  |$\approx 10^{53}\, \rm erg$|⁠ , as expected for a long-lived magnetar remnant, we can already rule out ejecta masses |$M_{\rm ej}\lesssim 0.03\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$| for the most likely range of circumburst densities n ≳ 10−3 cm−3. Observations on timescales of ≈ 3–10 yr after the merger will probe larger ejecta masses up to M ej ∼ 0.1 M⊙, providing a robust test to the magnetar scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, BeppoSAX and ASCA have observed an unusual resurgence of soft X-ray emission during the afterglows of GRB 970508 and 970828, together with marginal evidence for the existence of Fe lines in both objects. We consider the implications of the existence of a torus of iron-rich material surrounding the sites of gamma-ray bursts, as would be expected in the supra-nova model; in particular, we show that the fireball will quickly hit this torus, and bring it to a temperature of approx. 3×10[sup 7] K. Bremsstrahlung emission from the heated-up torus will cause a resurgence of the soft X-ray emission with all expected characteristics (flux level, duration and spectral hardening with time) identical to those observed during the re-burst. Also, thermal emission from the torus will account for the observed iron line flux. These events are also observable, for instance by new missions such as SWIFT, when beaming away from our line of sight makes us miss the main burst, as fast (soft) X-ray transients, with durations of approx. 10[sup 3] s and fluences of approx. 10[sup -7]–10[sup -4] erg cm[sup -2]. This model provides evidence in favour of the supra-nova model for gamma-ray bursts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutron star mergers produce a substantial amount of fast-moving ejecta, expanding outwardly for years after the merger. The interaction of these ejecta with the surrounding medium may produce a weak isotropic radio remnant, detectable in relatively nearby events. We use late-time radio observations of short duration gamma-ray bursts (sGRBs) to constrain this model. Two samples of events were studied: four sGRBs that are possibly in the local (<200 Mpc) Universe were selected to constrain the remnant non-thermal emission from the sub-relativistic ejecta, whereas 17 sGRBs at cosmological distances were used to constrain the presence of a proto-magnetar central engine, possibly re-energizing the merger ejecta. We consider the case of GRB 170817A/GW170817 and find that in this case the early radio emission may be quenched by the jet blast-wave. In all cases, for ejecta mass range of |${M}_{\rm {ej}}\lesssim 10^{-2}\, (5\times 10^{-2})\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$|⁠ , we can rule out very energetic merger ejecta |${E}_{\rm {ej}}\gtrsim 5\times 10^{52}\, (10^{53})\, \rm erg$|⁠ , thus excluding the presence of a powerful magnetar as a merger remnant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on our observing campaign of the compact binary merger GW190814, detected by the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors on 2019 August 14. This signal has the best localization of any observed gravitational wave (GW) source, with a 90 per cent probability area of 18.5 deg2, and an estimated distance of ≈240 Mpc. We obtained wide-field observations with the Deca-Degree Optical Transient Imager (DDOTI) covering 88 per cent of the probability area down to a limiting magnitude of w = 19.9 AB. Nearby galaxies within the high probability region were targeted with the Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT), whereas promising candidate counterparts were characterized through multicolour photometry with the Reionization and Transients InfraRed (RATIR) and spectroscopy with the Gran Telescopio de Canarias (GTC). We use our optical and near-infrared limits in conjunction with the upper limits obtained by the community to constrain the possible electromagnetic counterparts associated with the merger. A gamma-ray burst seen along its jet's axis is disfavoured by the multiwavelength data set, whereas the presence of a burst seen at larger viewing angles is not well constrained. Although our observations are not sensitive to a kilonova similar to AT2017gfo, we can rule out high-mass (>0.1 M⊙) fast-moving (mean velocity ≥0.3 c) wind ejecta for a possible kilonova associated with this merger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent observations with the Chandra X-ray telescope continue to detect X-ray emission from the transient GW170817. In a total exposure of 96.6 ks, performed between 2020 March 9 and 16 (935–942 d after the merger), a total of 8 photons are measured at the source position, corresponding to a significance of ≈5σ. Radio monitoring with the Australian Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) shows instead that the source has faded below our detection threshold (<33  |$\mu$| Jy, 3σ). By assuming a constant spectral index of β  = 0.585, we derive an unabsorbed X-ray flux of ≈1.4 × 10−15 erg cm−2 s−1, higher than earlier predictions, yet still consistent with a simple structured jet model. We discuss possible scenarios that could account for prolonged emission in X-rays. The current data set appears consistent both with energy injection by a long-lived central engine and with the onset of a kilonova afterglow, arising from the interaction of the sub-relativistic merger ejecta with the surrounding medium. Long-term monitoring of this source will be essential to test these different models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current projects of future X-rays space telescopes foresee high resolving power transition edge sensor (TES) micro-calorimeters arrays as focal plane instrument. In order to full exploit their sensitivity in the space environment, they need an anticoincidence detector to reject the background due to cosmic charged particles. High-energy protons (> 150 MeV) and other charged particle may release in the X-ray calorimeter, the same energy of the X-rays sources under observation. We report the description of the last prototype based on TES calorimeter where a 1-cm2 silicon chip is used as both substrate and absorber. The readout is made of 96 iridium/gold TESs uniformly distributed on its surface and parallel wired. In this paper, we will describe the design, with the preliminary phonon dynamics simulation, the fabrication, of first demonstration model for the ATHENA space telescope project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ATHENA observatory is the second large class ESA mission to be launched on 2031 at L2 orbit. One of the two onboard instruments is X-IFU, a TES-based kilo-pixel array able to perform simultaneous high-grade energy spectroscopy (FWHM 2.5 eV@7 keV) and imaging over the 5′ field of view. The X-IFU sensitivity is degraded by primary particle background of both solar and galactic cosmic ray (GCR) origins, and by secondary electrons produced by primaries, interacting with the materials surrounding the detector: These particles cannot be distinguished by the scientific photons, thus degrading the instrument performance. Results from studies regarding the GCR component performed by Geant4 simulations address the necessity to use background reduction techniques to enable the study of several key science topics. This is feasible by combining an active Cryogenic AntiCoincidence detector (CryoAC) and a passive electron shielding to reach the required residual particle background of 0.005 cts/cm2/s/keV inside the 2–10 keV scientific energy band. The CryoAC is a four-pixel detector made of Si-suspended absorbers sensed by a network of IrAu TESes and placed at a distance < 1 mm below the TES array. Here we will provide an overview of the CryoAC program, starting with some details on the background assessment having impacts on the CryoAC design; then, we continue with its design concept including electronics and the Demonstration Model results, to conclude with programmatic aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cryogenic AntiCoincidence detector (CryoAC) of ATHENA X-IFU is designed to reduce the particle background of the instrument and to enable the mission science goals. It is a 4-pixel silicon microcalorimeter sensed by an Ir/Au TES network. We have developed the CryoAC demonstration model, a prototype aimed to probe the critical technologies of the detector, i.e., the suspended absorber with an active area of 1 cm2; the low energy threshold of 20 keV; and the operation connected to a 50 mK thermal bath with a power dissipation less than 40 nW. Here, we report the test performed on the first CryoAC DM sample (namely, the AC-S10 prototype), showing that it is fully compliant with its requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the results of our year-long afterglow monitoring of GW 170817, the first binary neutron star merger detected by Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) and Advanced Virgo. New observations with the Australian Telescope Compact Array and the Chandra X-ray Telescope were used to constrain its late-time behaviour. The broad-band emission, from radio to X-rays, is well-described by a simple power-law spectrum with index β ∼ 0.585 at all epochs. After an initial shallow rise ∝ t 0.9, the afterglow displayed a smooth turnover, reaching a peak X-ray luminosity of L X ≈ 5 × 1039 erg s−1 at 160 d, and has now entered a phase of rapid decline, approximately ∝ t −2. The latest temporal trend challenges most models of choked jet/cocoon systems, and is instead consistent with the emergence of a relativistic structured jet seen at an angle of ≈22° from its axis. Within such model, the properties of the explosion (such as its blast wave energy E K ≈ 2 × 1050 erg, jet width θc ≈ 4°, and ambient density n  ≈ 3 × 10−3 cm−3) fit well within the range of properties of cosmological short gamma-ray bursts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ATHENA X-ray observatory is the second large-class mission in the ESA Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 science programme. One of the two on-board instruments is the X-IFU, an imaging spectrometer based on a large array of TES microcalorimeters. To reduce the particle-induced background, the spectrometer works in combination with a cryogenic anticoincidence detector (CryoAC), placed less than 1 mm below the TES array. The last CryoAC single-pixel prototypes, namely AC-S7 and AC-S8, are based on large-area (1 cm2) silicon absorbers sensed by 65 parallel-connected iridium TES. This design has been adopted to improve the response generated by the athermal phonons, which will be used as fast anticoincidence flag. The latter sample is featured also with a network of aluminum fingers directly connected to the TES, designed to further improve the athermals collection efficiency. In this paper, we will report the main results obtained with AC-S8, showing that the additional fingers network is able to increase the energy collected from the athermal part of the pulses (from the 6% of AC-S7 up to the 26 % with AC-S8). Furthermore, the finger design is able to prevent the quasiparticle recombination in the aluminum, assuring a fast pulse rising front (L/R limited). In our road map, the AC-S8 prototype is the last step before the development of the CryoAC demonstration model, which will be the detector able to demonstrate the critical technologies expected in the CryoAC development programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ATHENA X-IFU development program foresees to build and characterize an instrument Demonstration Model (DM), in order to probe the system critical technologies before the mission adoption. In this respect, we are now developing the DM of the X-IFU Cryogenic AntiCoincidence Detector (CryoAC), which will be delivered to the Focal Plane Assembly development team for the integration with the TES array. Before the delivery, we will characterize and test the CryoAC DM in our CryoLab at INAF/IAPS. In this paper, we report the main results of the activities performed to improve our cryogenic test setup, making it suitable for the DM integration. These activities mainly consist in the development of a mechanical setup and a cryogenic magnetic shielding system, whose effectiveness has been assessed by FEM simulations and a measurement at warm. The preliminary performance test has been performed by means of the last CryoAC single-pixel prototype, the AC-S8 pre-DM sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Athena X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) will operate at 90 mK a hexagonal matrix of 3840 Transition Edge Sensor pixels providing spatially resolved high-resolution spectroscopy (2.5 eV FWHM up to 7 keV) between 0.2 and 12 keV. During the observation of very bright X-ray sources, the X-IFU detectors will receive high photon rates going up to several tens of counts per second per pixel and hundreds per readout channel, well above the normal operating mode of the instrument. In this paper, we investigate through detailed end-to-end simulations the performance achieved by the X-IFU at the highest count rates. Special care is notably taken to model and characterize pulse processing limitations, readout-chain saturation effects, as well as the non-Gaussian degradation of the energy redistribution from crosstalk at the focal plane level (both thermal and electrical). Overall, we show that the instrument performance should safely exceed the scientific requirements, and in particular that more than 50 % throughput at 1 Crab in the 5-8 keV band can be achieved with better than 10 eV average resolution with the use of a Beryllium filter, enabling breakthrough science in the field of bright sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) of the Advanced Telescope for High-ENergy Astrophysics (Athena) large-scale mission of ESA will provide spatially resolved high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy from 0.2 to 12 keV, with 5″ pixels over a field of view of 5 arc minute equivalent diameter and a spectral resolution of 2.5 eV (FWHM) up to 7 keV. The core scientific objectives of Athena drive the main performance parameters of the X-IFU. We present the current reference configuration of the X-IFU, and the key issues driving the design of the instrument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Outflows from active galactic nuclei (AGN) are often invoked to explain the co-evolution of AGN and their host galaxies, and the scaling relations between the central black hole mass and the bulge velocity dispersion. Nuclear winds are often seen in the X-ray spectra through Fe K shell transitions and some of them are called ultra fast outflows (UFOs) due to their high velocities, up to some fractions of the speed of light. If they were able to transfer some percentage of the AGN luminosity to the host galaxy, this might be enough to trigger an efficient feedback mechanism. Aims. We aim to establish new constraints on the covering fraction and on the kinematic properties of the UFO in the powerful (Lbol ∼ 1047 erg s−1) quasar PDS 456, an established Rosetta stone for studying AGN feedback from disk winds. This will allow us to estimate the mass outflow rate and the energy transfer rate of the wind, which are key quantities to understand the potential impact on the host galaxy. Methods. We analyze two sets of simultaneous XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations taken in September 2013 and reported in Nardini et al. (2015, Science, 347, 860) as having similar broadband spectral properties. We fit the Fe K features with a P-Cygni profile between 5 and 14 keV, using a novel Monte Carlo model for the WINd Emission (WINE). Results. We find an outflow velocity ranging from 0.17 to 0.28 c, with a mean value of 0.23 c. We obtain an opening angle of the wind of 71−8+13 71 − 8 + 13 $ 71^{+13}_{-8} $ deg and a covering fraction of 0.7−0.3+0.2 0. 7 − 0.3 + 0.2 $ 0.7^{+0.2}_{-0.3} $ , suggesting a wide-angle outflow. We check the reliability of the WINE model by performing extensive simulations of joint XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations. Furthermore, we test the accuracy of the WINE model in recovering the geometrical properties of UFOs by simulating observations with the forthcoming Advanced Telescope for High-Energy Astrophysics (ATHENA) in the X-ray band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ATHENA is a large X-ray observatory, planned to be launched by ESA in 2028 towards an L2 orbit. One of the two instruments of the payload is the X-IFU: a cryogenic spectrometer based on a large array of TES microcalorimeters, able to perform integral field spectrography in the 0.2-12 keV band (2.5 eV FWHM at 6 keV). The X-IFU sensitivity is highly degraded by the particle background expected in the L2 orbit, which is induced by primary protons of both galactic and solar origin, and mostly by secondary electrons. To reduce the particle background level and enable the mission science goals, the instrument incorporates a Cryogenic AntiCoincidence detector (CryoAC). It is a 4 pixel TES based detector, placed < 1 mm below the main array. In this paper we report a scientific assessment of the CryoAC observational capabilities in the hard X-ray band (E > 10 keV). The aim of the study has been to understand if the present detector design can be improved in order to enlarge the X-IFU scientific capability on an energy band wider than the TES array. This is beyond the CryoAC baseline, being this instrument aimed to operate as anticoincidence particle detector and not conceived to perform X-ray observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 50 mK cryogenic focal plane anti-coincidence detector of the Athena X-ray observatory (CryoAC) is a silicon suspended absorber sensed by a network of about 400 Ir/Au Transition Edge Sensors (TES) and connected through silicon bridges to a surrounding silicon frame plated with gold (rim). The device is shaped by Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE) from a single silicon wafer of 500 μ m. There are two different possible geometries: a single Monolithic absorber and a Segmented one with 4 distinct absorber structures. As part of the payload of space mission the detector must resist to several mechanical excitation. We have tested a set of structural prototypes of the CryoAC vibrating several hexagonal silicon samples by using the vibrational mask provided by SRON which is responsible for FPA design. The aim is to have a first information on the mechanical response of the silicon bridges that connect the absorber to the rim, to start a trade-off over the two geometries and to validate the elastic-mechanical response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observations of the X-ray sky after the next decade will most likely be dominated by Athena (Advanced Telescope for High ENergy Astrophysics), the second large mission of ESA's Cosmic Vision 2015-2035 programme. Athena has been conceived to address the "Hot and Energetic Universe" science theme, which focuses on the assembly and evolution of hot baryons in cosmic structures as well as the physics and energetic output generated by accreting super-massive black holes, along with the relationship between the two processes, dubbed cosmic feedback. Thanks to its transformational capabilities, Athena will enable bringing all of today's XMM-Newton's hot science topics to a new stage. In this paper, we summarize the Athena science case, science requirements, as well as the expected mission performance, mission concept, and its status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GRB 130427A was the brightest gamma-ray burst detected in the last 30 yr. With an equivalent isotropic energy output of 8.5 × 1053 erg and redshift z = 0.34, it uniquely combined very high energetics with a relative proximity to Earth. As a consequence, its X-ray afterglow has been detected by sensitive X-ray observatories such as XMM-Newton and Chandra for a record-breaking baseline longer than 80 million seconds. We present the X-ray light curve of this event over such an interval. The light curve shows a simple power-law decay with a slope α = 1.309 ± 0.007 over more than three decades in time (47 ks-83 Ms).We discuss the consequences of this result for a few models proposed so far to interpret GRB 130427A, and more in general the significance of this outcome in the context of the standard forward shock model. We find that this model has difficulty in explaining our data, in both cases of constant density and stellar-wind circumburst media, and requires far-fetched values for the physical parameters involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ATHENA observatory is the second large-class ESA mission, in the context of the Cosmic Vision 2015-2025, scheduled to be launched on 2028 at L2 orbit. One of the two planned focal plane instruments is the X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU), which will be able to perform simultaneous high-grade energy spectroscopy and imaging over the 5 arcmin FoV by means of a kilo-pixel array of transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeters, coupled to a high-quality X-ray optics. The X-IFU sensitivity is degraded by the particle background, induced by primary protons of both solar and cosmic rays' origin and secondary electrons. A Cryogenic AntiCoincidence (CryoAC) TES-based detector, located $$<$$ 1 mm below the TES array, will allow the mission to reach the background level that enables its scientific goals. The CryoAC is a 4-pixel detector made of Silicon absorbers sensed by Iridium TESs. We currently achieve a TRL $$=$$ 3-4 at the single-pixel level. We have designed and developed two further prototypes in order to reach TRL $$=$$ 4. The design of the CryoAC has been also optimized using the Geant4 simulation tool. Here we will describe some results from the Geant4 simulations performed to optimize the design and preliminary test results from the first of the two detectors, 1 cm $$^{2}$$ area, made of 65 Ir TESs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ATHENA is the L2 mission selected by ESA to pursue the science theme 'Hot and Energetic Universe.' One of the two focal plane instruments is the X-ray Integral Field Unit, an array of TES microcalorimeters operated at T $$<$$ 100 mK. To allow the X-ray photons focused by the telescope to reach the detector, windows have to be opened on the cryostat thermal shields. X-ray transparent filters need to be mounted on these open windows to attenuate the IR radiation from warm surfaces, to attenuate RF electromagnetic interferences on TES sensors and SQUID electronics, and to protect the detector from contamination. This paper reviews the ongoing activities driving the design of the X-IFU thermal filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a systematic investigation of the cold and mildly ionized gaseous baryonic metal components of our Galaxy, through the analysis of high-resolution Chandra andXMM-Newton spectra of two samples of Galactic and extragalactic sources. The comparison between lines of sight towards sources located in the disc of our Galaxy and extragalactic sources allows us for the first time to clearly distinguish between gaseous metal components in the disc and halo of our Galaxy. We find that a warm ionized metal medium (WIMM) permeates a large volume above and below the Galaxy's disc, perhaps up to the circum-galactic space. This halo WIMM imprints virtually the totality of the OIand OII absorption seen in the spectra of our extragalactic targets, has a temperature of THalo WIMM = 2900 ± 900 K, a density (nH)Halo WIMM = 0.023 ± 0.009 cm-3 and a metallicity ZHalo WIMM = (0.4 ± 0.1) Z☉. Consistently with previous works, we also confirm that the disc of the Galaxy contains at least two distinct gaseous metal components, one cold and neutral (the CNMM: cold neutral metal medium) and onewarm and mildly ionized, with the same temperature of the halo WIMM, but higher density ((nH)DiscWIMM= 0.09 ± 0.03 cm-3) and metallicity (ZDiscWIMM = 0.8 ± 0.1 Z☉). By adopting a simple disc+sphere geometry for the Galaxy, we estimate masses of the CNMM and the total (disc + halo) WIMM of MCNMM ≲ 8 × 108 M☉ and MWIMM ≃ 8.2 × 109 M☉. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Observations in the X-ray energy band are often limited by the background because of the low fluxes of typical sources. The background can easily be higher than the signal itself, and thus any mission with the scientific goal of observing faint and/or extended sources in the X-ray band must deal with the background problem. ESA has recently selected "the hot and energetic universe" as science theme for the second large-class mission in the Cosmic Vision science program, to be pursued with an advanced X-ray observatory to be launched in 2028, and at present ATHENA is the proposal that is most likely to be selected for this slot. The mission is aimed to place an X-ray telescope in the L2 orbit equipped with an X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) based on high spectral resolution transition-edge microcalorimeters, and has among its goals the detection and characterization of high-redshift active galactic nuclei (AGNs), cluster of galaxies and their outskirts, which is why great care must be taken to reduce the background impact on the detection/characterization of these sources. Aims. The background is composed of a diffuse component and an internal particle component for any satellite operating in the X-ray band. We take as reference the X-ray IFU instrument that will be placed onboard the ATHENA mission to analyze both these components and their variability for different orbits, observational conditions and/or design choices.We also show how different background levels affect the instrumental performance, and the scientific results obtainable with the instrument in the best configuration. The X-IFU is a cryogenic X-ray spectrometer, based on a large array of 3840 transition-edge sensors (TES) of 250 μm side, with a spectral energy resolution of 2.5 eV in the 0.2-10 keV energy band, over a field of view of 5 × 5 arcmin2, high count rate capability and a 5 arcsec angular resolution. Methods. There are no experimental data about the background experienced by microcalorimeters in the L2 orbit, and thus the particle background levels were calculated by means of Monte Carlo simulations: we considered the original design configuration and an improved configuration aimed to reduce the unrejected background, and tested them in the L2 orbit and in the low Earth orbit, comparing the results with experimental data reported by other X-ray instruments. For the diffuse component, we used the background levels measured from a 1 sr region representative of typical high galactic latitude pointings and analyzed the variations expected with the different orbital conditions. To show the results obtainable with the improved configuration we simulated the observation of a faint, high-redshift, point source (F[0.5-10 keV] ∼ 6.4 × 10-16 erg cm-2 s-1, z = 3.7), and of a hot galaxy cluster at R200 (Sb [0.5-2 keV] = 8.61 × 1016 erg cm-2 s-1 arcmin-2, T = 6.6 keV). Results. First we confirm that implementing an active cryogenic anticoincidence reduces the particle background by an order of magnitude and brings it close to the required level. The implementation and test of several design solutions can reduce the particle background level by a further factor of 6 with respect to the original configuration. The residual background is dominated by secondary particles, and this component can be decreased by design solutions such as passive shielding with appropriate materials. The best background level achievable in the L2 orbit with the implementation of ad-hoc passive shielding for secondary particles is similar to that measured in the more favorable LEO environment without the passive shielding, allowing us to exploit the advantages of the L2 orbit. We define a reference model for the diffuse background and collect all the available information on its variation with epoch and pointing direction. With this background level the ATHENA mission with the X-IFU instrument is able to detect ∼4100 new obscured AGNs with F > 6.4 × 1016 erg cm-2 s-1 during three years, to characterize cluster of galaxies with S b(0.5-2 keV) > 9.4 × 1016 erg cm-2 s-1 sr-1 on timescales of 50 ks (500 ks) with errors <∼40% (<∼12%) on metallicity, <∼16% (∼4.8%) on temperature, ∼2.6% (∼0.72%) on the gas density, and several single-element abundances. Conclusions. With respect to the original design the background level obtained significantly enhances the performance of the X-IFU. It allows us to improve the times needed for the detection and the characterization of high-redshift and/or faint Compton-thick AGNs and to reduce the limit flux of X-IFU, and thus to have a significant measurement of the fraction of these objects where current surveys are missing data. Moreover, the reduced background allows an improved characterization of diffuse and/or faint sources in terms of relative errors on the physical properties of the sources and observational times needed to obtain them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]