Progress in kinetic inductance thermometers for X-ray calorimetersConventional X-ray microcalorimeters have so far used ionimplanted resistors for thermometers. Recently, however, several new methods for sensing small temperature changes have been suggested that are nondissipative. Such devices may have intrinsically better energy resolution by eliminating the Johnson noise present in resistive devices. The use of kinetic inductance thermometers for X-ray microcalorimeters is being investigated. This technique exploits the strong temperature dependence of magnetic penetration depth of thin superconducting films. The prototype system, designed for operation at 1.5 K, uses films of aluminum and tin. Once the expected temperature sensitivity and alpha particle detection have been demonstrated, aluminum will be replaced with titanium or another material with a suitable critical temperature and the device will be operated at 0.3 K. At this temperature, the energy resolution from thermal noise should be sufficiently good to allow X-ray detection.
Document ID
19900063230
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Rawley, G. L. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Kelley, R. L. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Moseley, S. H. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Szymkowiak, A. E. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1989
Subject Category
Instrumentation And Photography
Meeting Information
Meeting: EUV, X-ray, and Gamma-Ray Instrumentation for Astronomy and Atomic Physics