Thermal detection of X-rays
Abstract
The development of calorimeters is described in terms of their proposed application to sounding-rocket investigations of cosmic X-ray sources. The fundamental theory of the energy resolution of the devices is given, and general discussions are presented regarding the limitations associated with the materials used and available thermometer types. Also given are data describing electrical nonlinearity as a function of temperature, thermistor sensitivity, and heat capacity, as well as data regarding the excess noise that aids in the conduction process. Cryogenic calorimeters based on doped semiconductor thermistors are found to be limited, although thermal detectors have important applications to high-resolution laboratory spectroscopy. Electrical nonlinearity and the excess noise are found to be important for obtaining optimum heat capacity in the thermistor.
- Publication:
-
Low temperature Detectors for Neutrinos and Dark Matter III
- Pub Date:
- 1990
- Bibcode:
- 1990ltdn.work..213M
- Keywords:
-
- Calorimeters;
- Cryogenic Equipment;
- Radiation Detectors;
- X Ray Sources;
- Energy Storage;
- Nasa Programs;
- Specific Heat;
- Instrumentation and Photography