Marco Barbera
A5020722755- Superconducting and THz Device Technology
- Particle Detector Development and Performance
- Astrophysical Phenomena and Observations
- Calibration and Measurement Techniques
- X-ray Spectroscopy and Fluorescence Analysis
- Advanced X-ray Imaging Techniques
- Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies
- Nuclear Physics and Applications
- Adaptive optics and wavefront sensing
- Astronomical Observations and Instrumentation
- Physics of Superconductivity and Magnetism
- Superconducting Materials and Applications
- Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics
- Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Gamma-ray bursts and supernovae
- Pulsars and Gravitational Waves Research
- Mass Spectrometry Techniques and Applications
- Astronomy and Astrophysical Research
- Astrophysics and Star Formation Studies
- Particle accelerators and beam dynamics
- Astro and Planetary Science
- Thermal Radiation and Cooling Technologies
- solar cell performance optimization
- Spacecraft and Cryogenic Technologies
Osservatorio Astronomico di Palermo
2013-2024
University of Palermo
2015-2024
National Institute for Astrophysics
2009-2024
Arca Progetti (Italy)
2018
University of Palermo
2012-2018
National Research Council
2018
Swiss Institute of Comparative Law
2014-2016
Technical University of Denmark
2016
University of Geneva
2016
Institut de Recherche en Astrophysique et Planétologie
2014
The EPIC focal plane imaging spectrometers on XMM-Newton use CCDs to record the images and spectra of celestial X-ray sources focused by three mirrors. There is one camera at focus each mirror; two cameras contain seven MOS CCDs, while third uses twelve PN defining a circular field view 30′ diameter in case. were specially developed for EPIC, combine high quality with spectral resolution close Fano limit. A filter wheel carrying kinds transparent light blocking filter, fully closed, open...
The X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) is the high resolution spectrometer of ESA Athena observatory. Over a field view 5' equivalent diameter, it will deliver spectra from 0.2 to 12 keV with spectral 2.5 eV up 7 on ∼ 5" pixels. X-IFU based large format array super-conducting molybdenum-gold Transition Edge Sensors cooled at 90 mK, each coupled an absorber made gold and bismuth pitch 249 μm. A cryogenic anti-coincidence detector located underneath prime TES enables non background be reduced....
The X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) on board the Advanced Telescope for High-ENergy Astrophysics (Athena) will provide spatially resolved high-resolution spectroscopy from 0.2 to 12 keV, with 5 arc second pixels over a field of view minute equivalent diameter and spectral resolution 2.5 eV up 7 keV. In this paper, we first review core scientific objectives Athena, driving main performance parameters X-IFU, namely resolution, view, effective area, count rate capabilities, instrumental...
Athena is designed to implement the Hot and Energetic Universe science theme selected by European Space Agency for second large mission of its Cosmic Vision program. The payload consists a aperture high angular resolution X-ray optics (2 m2 at 1 keV) twelve meters away, two interchangeable focal plane instruments: Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) Wide Imager. X-IFU cryogenic spectrometer, based on array Transition Edge Sensors (TES), offering 2:5 eV spectral resolution, with ~5" pixels, over...
The Athena mission entered a redefinition phase in July 2022, driven by the imperative to reduce cost at completion for European Space Agency below an acceptable target, while maintaining flagship nature of its science return. This notably called complete redesign X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) cryogenic architecture towards simpler active cooling chain. Passive via successive radiative panels spacecraft level is now used provide 50 K thermal environment X-IFU owned cryostat. 4.5 achieved...
The Large Observatory For x-ray Timing (LOFT) was studied within ESA M3 Cosmic Vision framework and participated in the final down-selection for a launch slot 2022-2024. Thanks to unprecedented combination of effective area spectral resolution its main instrument, LOFT will study behaviour matter under extreme conditions, such as strong gravitational field innermost regions accretion flows close black holes neutron stars, supra-nuclear densities interior stars. science payload is based on...
ESA's next large X-ray mission ATHENA is designed to address the Cosmic Vision science theme 'The Hot and Energetic Universe'. It will provide answers two key astrophysical questions how does ordinary matter assemble into large-scale structures we see today do black holes grow shape Universe. The spacecraft be equipped with focal plane cameras, a Wide Field Imager (WFI) an Integral Unit (X-IFU). WFI instrument optimized for state-of-the-art resolution spectroscopy over field of view 40 amin...
We report new observations of emission line intensity ratios Fe XVII under controlled experimental conditions, using the National Institute Standards and Technology electron beam ion trap (EBIT) with a microcalorimeter detector. compare our collisional-radiative models atomic data computed in distorted wave R-matrix approximations, which follow transfer polarization level populations through radiative cascades. Our results for ratio 2p6 1S0-2p53d1P1 15.014 Å to 1S0-2p53d3D1 15.265 are 2.94 ±...
The Athena+ mission concept is designed to implement the Hot and Energetic Universe science theme submitted European Space Agency in response call for White Papers definition of L2 L3 missions its program. payload consists a large aperture high angular resolution X-ray optics twelve meters away, two interchangeable focal plane instruments: Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) Wide Imager (WFI). X-IFU cryogenic spectrometer, based on array Transition Edge Sensors (TES), offering 2.5 eV spectral...
The LOFT mission concept is one of four candidates selected by ESA for the M3 launch opportunity as Medium Size missions Cosmic Vision programme. window currently planned between 2022 and 2024. designed to exploit diagnostics rapid X-ray flux spectral variability that directly probe motion matter down distances very close black holes neutron stars, well physical state ultradense matter. These primary science goals will be addressed a payload composed Large Area Detector (LAD) Wide Field...
HERMES (High Energy Rapid Modular Ensemble of Satellites) Technological and Scientific pathfinder is a space borne mission based on LEO constellation nano-satellites. The 3U CubeSat buses host new miniaturized detectors to probe the temporal emission bright high-energy transients such as Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs). Fast transient localization, in field view several steradians with arcmin-level accuracy, gained by comparing time delays among same event detection epochs occurred at least 3 With...
HERMES-TP/SP (High Energy Rapid Modular Ensemble of Satellites Technologic and Scientific Pathfinder) is a constellation six 3U nano-satellites hosting simple but innovative X-ray detectors, characterized by large energy band excellent temporal resolution, thus optimized for the monitoring Cosmic High transients such as Gamma Ray Bursts electromagnetic counterparts Gravitational Wave Events, determination their positions. The projects are funded Italian Ministry University Research Space...
The high resolution camera (HRC) is a microchannel plate based imaging detector for the Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) that will be placed in earth orbit scheduled launch August, 1998. An end-to-end calibration of HRC and AXAF mirror assembly (HRMA) was carried out at Marshall Space Flight Center's Calibration (XRCF). This activity followed by several modifications to improve its performance, series flat field calibrations. In this paper, following companion papers, we discuss...
Abstract Both interplanetary space and Earth’s magnetosphere are populated by low-energy (≤300 keV) protons that potentially able to scatter on the reflecting surface of Wolter-I optics X-ray focusing telescopes reach focal plane. This phenomenon, depending instrumentation, can dramatically increase background level, reducing sensitivity or, in most extreme cases, compromising observation itself. The use a magnetic diverter, deflecting away from field view, requires detailed characterization...
LOFT (Large Observatory for X-ray Timing) is one of the five candidates that were considered by ESA as an M3 mission (with launch in 2022-2024) and has been studied during extensive assessment phase. It specifically designed to perform fast timing probe status matter near black holes neutron stars. Its pointed instrument Large Area Detector (LAD), a 10 m 2 -class operating 2-30keV range, which holds capability revolutionise studies variability from sources on millisecond time scales. The LAD...
This paper describes the strategy and planned implementation of ground calibration X-IFU microcalorimeter spectrometer on-board Athena, X-ray observatory from ESA to be launched after mid-2030s. is second generation space instrument, its benefits experience acquired on present Japanese-US built Resolve instrument XRISM. plan takes into account reformulation Athena mission instruments that took place in 2022-23. The presented along with set sources needed for definition sequences using them.
The High Energy Modular Array (HEMA) is one of three instruments that compose the STROBE-X mission concept. HEMA a large-area, high-throughput non-imaging pointed instrument based on Large Area Detector developed as part LOFT It designed for spectral timing measurements broad range sources and provides transformative increase in sensitivity to X-rays energy 2--30 keV compared previous instruments, with an effective area 3.4 m$^{2}$ at 8.5 resolution better than 300 eV 6 its nominal field regard.