Design and validation of a large-format transition edge sensor array magnetic shielding system for space application.

Area of Science:

• Astrophysics and Space Science
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Applied Physics

Background:

• Transition edge sensor (TES) arrays require effective magnetic shielding for sensitive space-based observations.
• Existing magnetic shielding solutions face challenges in meeting the stringent requirements of future space missions like X-IFU and SAFARI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and experimentally validate a cryogenic magnetic shielding system for TES-based space detector arrays.
• To assess the performance of a combined mu-metal and superconducting niobium shield configuration.
• To provide a realistic shielding design for future space flight applications.

Main Methods:

• Analytical comparison of thin-walled mu-metal and superconducting shields.
• Numerical design and verification using static and dynamic finite element method (FEM) models.
• Experimental validation involving cooling through the superconducting transition temperature and measuring DC trapped flux and AC field attenuation.

Main Results:

• The developed cryogenic magnetic shielding system achieved an on-axis shielding factor exceeding 10^6.
• Residual internal DC fields were below 1 μT after field-cooling in an 85 μT axial field.
• FEM model predictions showed good agreement with measured trapped field patterns.

Conclusions:

• The cryogenic magnetic shielding system meets and exceeds the requirements for sensitive space detector arrays.
• The combination of mu-metal and superconducting niobium shields offers a viable solution for advanced space missions.
• The validated FEM models are reliable tools for designing and verifying magnetic shielding systems.