X-ray detectors for space astrophysics missions are susceptible to noise caused by photons with energies outside the operating energy range; for this reason, efficient external optical blocking filters are required to shield the detector from the out-of-band radiation. These filters play a crucial role in meeting the scientific requirements of the X-ray detectors, and their proper operation over the life of the mission is essential for the success of the experimental activity. We studied thin sandwich membranes made of silicon nitride and aluminum as optical blocking filters for high-energy detectors in space missions. Here, we report the results of a multi-technique characterization of SiN membranes with thicknesses in the range from 40 nm to 145 nm coated with few tens of nanometers of aluminum on both sides. In particular, we have measured the X-ray transmission at synchrotron radiation beamlines, the rejection of ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared radiation, the amount of native oxide on the aluminum surfaces by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the morphology of the sample surfaces by atomic force microscopy, and the aging effects under proton irradiation.

中文翻译：

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氮化硅/铝膜作为高能空间任务光学阻挡滤光片的多技术研究

用于空间天体物理任务的 X 射线探测器容易受到能量超出工作能量范围的光子引起的噪声的影响；因此，需要高效的外部光学阻挡滤波器来保护探测器免受带外辐射的影响。这些滤波器在满足 X 射线探测器的科学要求方面发挥着至关重要的作用，它们在任务生命周期内的正确运行对于实验活动的成功至关重要。我们研究了由氮化硅和铝制成的薄夹层膜，作为太空任务中高能探测器的光学阻挡滤光片。在这里，我们报告了厚度在 40 nm 至 145 nm 范围内、两侧涂有几十纳米铝的 SiN 膜的多技术表征结果。特别是，我们测量了同步加速器辐射束线处的 X 射线透射率、紫外线、可见光和近红外辐射的抑制率、通过 X 射线光电子能谱测量铝表面天然氧化物的量、样品的形态通过原子力显微镜观察表面，以及质子照射下的老化效应。