High Spectral Resolution Cryogenic Imaging Detectors for Solar Physics

X-ray microcalorimeters have the potential to substantially improve our understanding of magnetic reconnection in the early phases of flares or during microflare events. Operating in the sub-Kelvin temperature range, they provide high non-dispersive energy resolution at ~ keV energies (e.g, E/Δ E ~ 1500 at 6 keV), coupled with high (msec or better) time resolution. Coupled with grazing-incidence X-ray optics, microcalorimeter arrays or position sensitive readout schemes will form the basis for a new generation of solar imaging spectrometers. An Explorer-class solar mission within the next 5-10 years, based upon these detectors, is rapidly becoming technically feasible. LMSAL currently has both internally and NASA funded laboratory research programs to investigate TES (Transition Edge Sensor) microcalorimeters. In this presentation, we will discuss the current status of these programs and their applicability to future Explorer missions and Roadmap missions such as RAM.