Progress In X-Ray Ccd Sensor Performance For The Astro-E2 X-Ray Image Spectrometer

We have developed X-ray CCD sensors for the Astro-E2 X-ray Imaging Spectrometer. Here we describe the performance benefits obtained from two innovations implemented in the CCD detectors developed for this instrument. First, we discuss the improved radiation tolerance afforded by a novel charge-injection structure. Second, we demonstrate for the first time the potential of a previously-developed chemisorption charging backside treatment process to produce back-illuminated X-ray sensors with excellent soft X-ray spectral resolution as well as improved quantum efficiency. We describe the changes in X-ray event detection algorithms required to obtain this improved performance, and briefly compare the performance of XIS sensors to that of back-illuminated detectors currently operating on-orbit.