X-ray science can shed light on key physics, probing how black holes behave, how they influence galactic evolution, and how massive stars shape their environments through powerful winds. Observations at these wavelengths require sending technology above the Earth’s atmosphere, where the desired signals are not absorbed. This makes CubeSats and SmallSats important tools for conducting X-ray science, providing low cost access to space for focused experiments. However, these missions require efficient, moderately sized X-ray detectors at low costs in order to perform their target science. My group is examining the performance of commercial CMOS sensors for use in soft X-ray observations and their potential as low-cost alternatives to CCD sensors.

We have shown that the CMOS performance is on par with CCDs currently in use in several major spacecraft, and their readout rates and operable temperatures are more favorable. My research focuses on measuring the quantum efficiency (QE) of the CMOS sensor, which will inform us upon the sensitivity of the instrument. I will develop a test bed in a specialized vacuum chamber equipped with an X-ray source that will allow us to make preliminary measurements at different X-ray wavelengths to determine the QE. Additionally, we plan to eventually further these measurements during a test campaign at the Advanced Light Source, an X-ray synchrotron facility.