Imaging X-ray spectroscopy with micro-X and Chandra

Abstract

High spectral resolution observations of X-ray phenomena have the potential to uncover new physics. Currently, only point sources can be probed with high resolution spectra, using gratings. Extended objects like supernova remnants cannot be dispersed, leaving the dense forest of emission lines blended by the moderate resolution of modern instruments. In the first half of this thesis, I undertake two investigations of the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A using the flagship X-ray observatory, Chandra. The first study combines the spatial resolution of the ACIS instrument with the spectral resolution of the dispersive HETG to investigate the evolution of ejecta knots. The second improves on statistical limits of radioactive ejecta, and simulates what higher resolution instruments may observe. Micro-X, a new high resolution X-ray telescope, is the focus of the second half. I detail the commissioning of this novel sounding rocket payload, which uses a focal plane of micro-calorimeters to achieve high spectral resolution in each pixel. The flight hardware is in a final state of testing and integration before the launch, which is anticipated in 2014.