Modeling the effects of position dependence in large-absorber x-ray TES microcalorimeters

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Why is it important?

Large absorber X-ray TES microcalorimeters are the primary choice for wide-field, high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy in space missions like HUBS, combining exceptional resolution with high efficiency. They are also vital for materials science and industrial applications. However, fabrication challenges hinder the realization of such detectors and their experimental verification. We present a novel 3D/2D finite-element modeling of these detectors, quantifying for the first time position-dependent response variations that degrade resolution. These findings provide insights for optimizing detector performance, bridging the gap between theory and practice. This work will be of interest to broad communities in detector development, scientific instrumentation, and industrial applications.