Updates on the development of blocking filters using high throughput SiC grids

Insights from previous X-ray missions like Chandra have shown that contamination build-up on cold focal plane detectors is a problem that needs to be mitigated in future orbital missions. These contamination concerns can be addressed with the use of free-standing blocking filters that can be heated to room temperature via the filter support mesh. Using SiC grids, it is possible to manufacture large, high-throughput grids that can be held at room temperature with a lower power consumption than traditional grids. In this paper, we present large SiC grids with geometries that increase X-ray filter strength, transmittance, and temperature uniformity, with up to 128 mm apertures. This size is suitable for AXIS, Athena, or a future Lynx mission. A key part of the research is to understand how the temperature profile of the SiC grids behave when in a radiative cooling environment and determine the power needed to return the grids to room temperature. Here, we describe the planned research to prove this grid technology in flight-like conditions in order to increase technology readiness level.