An in-situ movable calibration source for cryogenic particle detectors
Abstract
A prototype device capable of moving a radioactive calibration source to multiple positions was operated at millikelvin temperatures using a modified commercial stepper motor. It was developed as an in-situ calibration strategy for cryogenic dark matter detectors. Data taken by scanning a calibration source across multiple radial positions of a prototype dark matter detector demonstrated its functionality. Construction, heat load, and operation of the device are discussed, as is the effect of the motor on the detector operation. A sample dataset taken over multiple positions of a SuperCDMS detector is presented as an example of the utility of such a device.
- Publication:
-
Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A
- Pub Date:
- August 2020
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.nima.2020.164070
- arXiv:
- arXiv:2002.00893
- Bibcode:
- 2020NIMPA.97164070M
- Keywords:
-
- Calibration;
- Cryogenic;
- Germanium;
- Ionization;
- Phonon;
- Stepper motor;
- Physics - Instrumentation and Detectors;
- High Energy Physics - Experiment
- E-Print:
- 5 pages, 4 figures