Microcalorimeter array development for X-ray astronomy

A development of X-ray sensitive microcalorimeter arrays is presently being undertaken to provide a spectroimager of high-energy resolution which could fit the focal plane of the X-ray astronomy spatial missions of the new generation (ESLAB 1999/093/SA). frared-sensitive arrays which have been realized at LETI in collaboration with the SAp, for the PACS experiment on board the Herschel satellite (Proceedings of the SPIE Conference of Orlando, 5–9 April 1999, 3698-38), are taken as the basis of this development which will rely conservatively on standard technology.