Tanmoy Chattopadhyay
Physical Science Research Scientist
Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology
Bio
In order to cope up with the large photon flux at the focal plane of the next generation large area telescopes (e.g. X-ray mission concepts like Lynx), the focal plane detectors need to be extremely fast (order of magnitude faster compared to the Chandra CCDs) and low noise to avail <1 keV measurements along with small pixel sizes in order to fully utilize the high angular resolution of the next generation X-ray mirrors. One approach towards achieving these goals is to use active pixel sensors. As part of the collaboration between the Penn State University and the Teledyne Imaging Sensors to develop Silicon based X-ray Hybrid CMOS detectors (an active pixel sensor), I was involved in characterizing these X- ray HCDs with Cryogenic SIDECAR ASICs. The other approach is to build upon the success of Chandra by developing faster and low noise X-ray CCDs and readout electronics. As a part of the collaboration between the Stanford University, MIT and MIT Lincoln Laboratory, I have been working on the development of fast low noise readout electronics and characterization of these new generation X-ray CCDs. While the X-ray CCDs are based on traditional source follower voltage readout, an alternate option utilizing current readout from these detectors (like in DEPFETs) can provide faster readout along with extremely low noise yield. I am currently working on one such novel technology called Single electron sensitive readout (SiSeRO) manufactured in collaboration with MITLL. Moreover, SiSeROs are supposed to provide sub-electron read noise by utilizing the so-called repetitive non-destructive readout (RNDR) of the charge packets. We are currently working on the readout circuitry to enable this feature and developing a suitable set up to test these aspects. If successful, it might also be possible to develop a matrix of these current readout amplifiers to develop a SiSeRO active pixel sensor.
I am interested in the hard X-ray polarimetric studies of X-ray sources. With the advent of hard X-ray mirrors (e.g. NuSTAR), it is now possible to conceive hard X-ray polarimeters at the focal plane of hard X-ray telescopes. I have been working on the performance study and development of one such instrument which consisted of a central plastic scatterer (viewed by a PMT) surrounded by an array of CsI(Tl) scintillators (read out by Si photo-multipliers). We are also exploring the possibility of replacing the plastic scatterer by a fast Silicon imager (a fast X-ray CCD / SiSeRO matrix / X-ray HCD) to enable simultaneous X-ray spectroscopy, imaging, timing and polarimetry.
I am involved in the X-ray spectro-polarimetric studies with CdZnTe Imager (CZTI) onboard Indian astronomy mission – AstroSat for various bright X-ray sources. We verified polarimetric capabilities of CZTI by measuring polarization of Crab pulsar and nebula. Currently, I am leading the spectro-polarimetry studies of Gamma-ray Bursts and Cygnus X-1, a high mass black hole X-ray binary using AstroSat-CZTI data.
Academic Appointments
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Physical Science Research Scientist, Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology
Administrative Appointments
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Staff Scientist, Stanford University (2021 - Present)
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Postdoctoral Scholar, Stanford University (2019 - 2021)
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Postdoctoral Scholar, Pennsylvania State University (2016 - 2019)
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Postdoctoral Scholar, Physical Research Laboratory (2016 - 2016)
Honors & Awards
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Justice Oak Award, Astronomical Society of India (2018)
Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations
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Full Member, American Astronomical Society (AAS) (2022 - Present)
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Full Member, Astronomical society of India (ASI) (2023 - Present)
Professional Education
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PhD, Physical Research Laboratory, Astrophysics (2016)
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M.Sc., BHU (India), Physics (2010)
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B.Sc., Burdwan University (India), Physics (2008)
Current Research and Scholarly Interests
1. X-ray astronomical instrumentation - Scintillators, Si-Photomultipliers, CZTs, X-ray CCDs, X-ray Hybrid CMOS detectors, SiSeRO (Single electron Sensitive Read Out) devices
2. Hard X-ray polarimetry and associated instrumentation
3. Polarimetric studies of pulsars, black hole XRBs, Gamma Ray Bursts using AstroSat-CZTI
4. X-ray lobster optic (Schmidt type)
All Publications
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A Detailed Time-resolved and Energy-resolved Spectro-polarimetric Study of Bright Gamma-Ray Bursts Detected by AstroSat CZTI in Its First Year of Operation
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
2024; 972 (2)
View details for DOI 10.3847/1538-4357/ad5a92
View details for Web of Science ID 001304260700001
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Localization of gamma-ray bursts using AstroSat Mass Model
MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
2024; 530 (2): 1386-1393
View details for DOI 10.1093/mnras/stae435
View details for Web of Science ID 001203832700003
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High Hard X-Ray Polarization in Cygnus X-1 Confined to the Intermediate Hard State: Evidence for a Variable Jet Component
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL LETTERS
2024; 960 (1)
View details for DOI 10.3847/2041-8213/ad118d
View details for Web of Science ID 001133749000001
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Improved noise performance from the next-generation buried-channel p-MOSFET SiSeROs
JOURNAL OF ASTRONOMICAL TELESCOPES INSTRUMENTS AND SYSTEMS
2023; 9 (2)
View details for DOI 10.1117/1.JATIS.9.2.026001
View details for Web of Science ID 001031359600016
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Reduction of cosmic-ray induced background in astronomical X-ray imaging detectors via image segmentation methods
SPIE-INT SOC OPTICAL ENGINEERING. 2023
View details for DOI 10.1117/12.2677095
View details for Web of Science ID 001259432500010
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Extending the energy range of AstroSat-CZTI up to 380 keV with compton spectroscopy
MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
2022; 516 (2): 3102-3112
View details for DOI 10.1093/mnras/stac2466
View details for Web of Science ID 000859214000016
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Hard X-Ray Polarization Catalog for a Five-year Sample of Gamma-Ray Bursts Using AstroSat CZT Imager
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
2022; 936 (1)
View details for DOI 10.3847/1538-4357/ac82ef
View details for Web of Science ID 000844317500001
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Experimental verification of off-axis polarimetry with cadmium zinc telluride detectors of AstroSat-CZT Imager
JOURNAL OF ASTRONOMICAL TELESCOPES INSTRUMENTS AND SYSTEMS
2022; 8 (3)
View details for DOI 10.1117/1.JATIS.8.3.038005
View details for Web of Science ID 000867436500016
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Probing into emission mechanisms of GRB 190530A using time-resolved spectra and polarization studies: synchrotron origin?
MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
2022; 511 (2): 1694-1713
View details for DOI 10.1093/mnras/stac015
View details for Web of Science ID 000753586700003
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X-ray speed reading with the MCRC: a low noise CCD readout ASIC enabling readout speeds of 5 Mpixel/s/channel
SPIE-INT SOC OPTICAL ENGINEERING. 2022
View details for DOI 10.1117/12.2629049
View details for Web of Science ID 000860926800057
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Development and characterization of a fast and low noise readout for the next generation x-ray charge-coupled devices
Journal of Astronomical Telescopes, Instruments, and Systems
2022; 8 (2): 12
View details for DOI 10.1117/1.JATIS.8.2.026005
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First results on SiSeRO devices: a new x-ray detector for scientific instrumentation
Journal of Astronomical Telescopes, Instruments, and Systems
2022; 8 (2): 12
View details for DOI 10.1117/1.JATIS.8.2.026006
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Single electron Sensitive Readout (SiSeRO) X-ray detectors: Technological progress and characterization
SPIE-INT SOC OPTICAL ENGINEERING. 2022
View details for DOI 10.1117/12.2629050
View details for Web of Science ID 000860926800021
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Exploring sub-MeV sensitivity of AstroSat-CZTI for ON-axis bright sources
JOURNAL OF ASTROPHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
2021; 42 (2)
View details for DOI 10.1007/s12036-021-09711-9
View details for Web of Science ID 000671767200001
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The AstroSat mass model: Imaging and flux studies of off-axis sources with CZTI
JOURNAL OF ASTROPHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
2021; 42 (2)
View details for DOI 10.1007/s12036-021-09763-x
View details for Web of Science ID 000680556300001
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Hard X-ray polarimetry-an overview of the method, science drivers, and recent findings
JOURNAL OF ASTROPHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
2021; 42 (2)
View details for DOI 10.1007/s12036-021-09769-5
View details for Web of Science ID 000711430600001
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Sub-MeV spectroscopy with AstroSat-CZT imager for gamma ray bursts
JOURNAL OF ASTROPHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
2021; 42 (2)
View details for DOI 10.1007/s12036-021-09718-2
View details for Web of Science ID 000677607000002
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Identifying charged particle background events in X-ray imaging detectors with novel machine learning algorithms
SPIE-INT SOC OPTICAL ENGINEERING. 2021
View details for DOI 10.1117/12.2562354
View details for Web of Science ID 000674737700039
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Progress toward fast, low-noise, low-power digital CCDs for Lynx and other high-energy astrophysics missions
SPIE-INT SOC OPTICAL ENGINEERING. 2021
View details for DOI 10.1117/12.2561441
View details for Web of Science ID 000674737700134
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Spectropolarimetric analysis of prompt emission of GRB 160325A: jet with evolving environment of internal shocks
MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
2020; 493 (4): 5218–32
View details for DOI 10.1093/mnras/staa570
View details for Web of Science ID 000539094400047
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Tiny-box: a tool for the versatile development and characterization of low noise fast x-ray imaging detectors
X-Ray, Optical, and Infrared Detectors for Astronomy
2020
View details for DOI 10.1117/12.2561826
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MCRC V1: development of integrated readout electronics for next generation X-ray CCD detectors for future satellite observatories
X-Ray, Optical, and Infrared Detectors for Astronomy
2020
View details for DOI 10.1117/12.2561741
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Water Recovery X-Ray Rocket grating spectrometer
JOURNAL OF ASTRONOMICAL TELESCOPES INSTRUMENTS AND SYSTEMS
2019; 5 (4)
View details for DOI 10.1117/1.JATIS.5.4.044006
View details for Web of Science ID 000510649500016
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Time-varying Polarized Gamma-Rays from GRB 160821A: Evidence for Ordered Magnetic Fields
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL LETTERS
2019; 882 (1)
View details for DOI 10.3847/2041-8213/ab3a48
View details for Web of Science ID 000484250100005
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AstroSat-CZTI Detection of Variable Prompt Emission Polarization in GRB 171010A
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
2019; 874 (1)
View details for DOI 10.3847/1538-4357/ab0826
View details for Web of Science ID 000462602500003
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US Contributions to the Athena Wide Field Imager
SPIE-INT SOC OPTICAL ENGINEERING. 2019
View details for DOI 10.1117/12.2528532
View details for Web of Science ID 000511172300026
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Development of position sensitive detector module using scintillator and Si photomultiplier for hard x-ray imaging and spectroscopy
JOURNAL OF ASTRONOMICAL TELESCOPES INSTRUMENTS AND SYSTEMS
2019; 5 (1)
View details for DOI 10.1117/1.JATIS.5.1.016001
View details for Web of Science ID 000463885600010
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Prompt emission polarimetry of Gamma ray bursts with ASTROSAT CZT-imager
The Astrophysical Journal
2019; 884 (2)
View details for DOI 10.3847/1538-4357/ab40b7
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Flight Camera Package Design, Calibration, and Performance for the Water Recovery X-ray Rocket Mission
SPIE-INT SOC OPTICAL ENGINEERING. 2019
View details for DOI 10.1117/12.2529361
View details for Web of Science ID 000511172300008
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Violation of Synchrotron Line of Death by the Highly Polarized GRB 160802A
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
2018; 862 (2)
View details for DOI 10.3847/1538-4357/aacd12
View details for Web of Science ID 000440712300005
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Characterizing subpixel spatial resolution of a hybrid CMOS detector
JOURNAL OF ASTRONOMICAL TELESCOPES INSTRUMENTS AND SYSTEMS
2018; 4 (3)
View details for DOI 10.1117/1.JATIS.4.3.038002
View details for Web of Science ID 000451423400009
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X-ray Hybrid CMOS Detectors: Recent Development and Characterization Progress
SPIE-INT SOC OPTICAL ENGINEERING. 2018
View details for DOI 10.1117/12.2312128
View details for Web of Science ID 000452819200056
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Phase-resolved X-ray polarimetry of the Crab pulsar with the AstroSat CZT Imager
NATURE ASTRONOMY
2018; 2 (1): 50–55
View details for DOI 10.1038/s41550-017-0293-z
View details for Web of Science ID 000423480900020
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BlackCAT CubeSat: A Soft X-ray Sky Monitor, Transient Finder, and Burst Detector for High-energy and Multimessenger Astrophysics
SPIE-INT SOC OPTICAL ENGINEERING. 2018
View details for DOI 10.1117/12.2314274
View details for Web of Science ID 000452819200139
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Surprise in simplicity: an unusual spectral evolution of a single pulse GRB 151006A
MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
2017; 472 (1): 891–903
View details for DOI 10.1093/mnras/stx1970
View details for Web of Science ID 000413765800073
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Recent X-ray hybrid CMOS detector developments and measurements
SPIE-INT SOC OPTICAL ENGINEERING. 2017
View details for DOI 10.1117/12.2273903
View details for Web of Science ID 000417112900003
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Design & development of position sensitive detector for hard X-ray using SiPM and new generation scintillators
SPIE-INT SOC OPTICAL ENGINEERING. 2017
View details for DOI 10.1117/12.2275316
View details for Web of Science ID 000425518900003
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An introduction to the water recovery x-ray rocket
SPIE-INT SOC OPTICAL ENGINEERING. 2017
View details for DOI 10.1117/12.2274249
View details for Web of Science ID 000417112900020
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ASTROSAT CZT IMAGER OBSERVATIONS OF GRB 151006A: TIMING, SPECTROSCOPY, AND POLARIZATION STUDY
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
2016; 833 (1)
View details for DOI 10.3847/1538-4357/833/1/86
View details for Web of Science ID 000400504900018
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Development of a hard x-ray focal plane compton polarimeter: a compact polarimetric configuration with scintillators and Si photomultipliers
EXPERIMENTAL ASTRONOMY
2016; 41 (1-2): 197–214
View details for DOI 10.1007/s10686-015-9481-y
View details for Web of Science ID 000369518700010
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In-orbit performance of AstroSat CZTI
SPIE-INT SOC OPTICAL ENGINEERING. 2016
View details for DOI 10.1117/12.2235373
View details for Web of Science ID 000387731500038
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Line profile modelling for multi-pixel CZT detectors
SPIE-INT SOC OPTICAL ENGINEERING. 2016
View details for DOI 10.1117/12.2234805
View details for Web of Science ID 000387731500128
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Hard X-ray polarimetry with Astrosat-CZTI
ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS
2015; 578
View details for DOI 10.1051/0004-6361/201525686
View details for Web of Science ID 000357502600085
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Prospects of hard X-ray polarimetry with Astrosat-CZTI
EXPERIMENTAL ASTRONOMY
2014; 37 (3): 555–77
View details for DOI 10.1007/s10686-014-9386-1
View details for Web of Science ID 000344585700005
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MEASUREMENT OF LOW ENERGY DETECTION EFFICIENCY OF A PLASTIC SCINTILLATOR: IMPLICATIONS ON THE LOWER ENERGY LIMIT AND SENSITIVITY OF A HARD X-RAY FOCAL PLANE COMPTON POLARIMETER
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL SUPPLEMENT SERIES
2014; 212 (1)
View details for DOI 10.1088/0067-0049/212/1/12
View details for Web of Science ID 000339232600012
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Compton polarimeter as a focal plane detector for hard X-ray telescope: sensitivity estimation with Geant4 simulations
EXPERIMENTAL ASTRONOMY
2013; 35 (3): 391–412
View details for DOI 10.1007/s10686-012-9312-3
View details for Web of Science ID 000318169600001
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Prospects of Hard X-ray Polarimetry with Astrosat-CZTI
IEEE. 2013
View details for Web of Science ID 000347163502143
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A conceptual design of hard x-ray focal plane detector for simultaneous x-ray polarimetric, spectroscopic and timing measurements
SPIE-INT SOC OPTICAL ENGINEERING. 2012
View details for DOI 10.1117/12.935295
View details for Web of Science ID 000312391600133