X-ray single photon 1-D imaging spectrometers

We have developed superconducting single-photon 1-D imaging x-ray detectors with an energy resolution of 13 eV FWHM at 6 keV and 1-D spatial resolutio n of 0.25 mum over a length of 20 mum in an effective area of 20 x 100 mum( 2). The energy resolution along the 200 mum long absorber is 36 eV. The ene rgy resolution of 13 eV is among the best reported for this kind of detecto rs and is within factor of 2 of its theoretical limit. The signals are read out by low-noise current amplifier with ii de voltage bias. The electronic noise measured by injecting pulses is 8 eV FWHM at 6 keV. By cooling the f eedback resistor the current noise is reduced from 160 fA/Hz(1/2) to 90 fA/ Hz(1/2).