The X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) is the X-ray microcalorimeter instrument on board the Advanced Telescope for High-ENergy Astrophysics (Athena), the second large mission of the European Space Agency Cosmic Vision program.
The X-IFU will provide spatially resolved high-resolution spectroscopy from 0.2 to 12 keV. The instrument has undergone successfully its Preliminary Requirement Review, demonstrating the feasibility of an instrument that will meet the scientific requirements of Athena.
I will present the driving astrophysical objectives of the X-IFU and describe the instrument baseline, with a special focus on the detection chain, the cryogenic chain and the calibration plan that is being elaborated in order to maximize the scientific return of the mission.
The X-IFU will be provided by an international consortium led by France, The Netherlands and Italy, with further ESA member state contributions from Belgium, Finland, Germany, Poland, Spain, Czech Republic, Switzerland and two international partners from the United States and Japan.