A new thermal sensor for X-ray microcalorimetryA concept for a detector is introduced which exploits the significant temperature dependence of the dielectric constant in ferroelectric materials. The concept permits the use of a microcalorimeter without the resistive sensors which are associated with heat dissipation and increased Johnson noise in the electronic conversion circuit. General calorimeter features are listed, and the concepts related to dielectric calorimeters are discussed in terms of operational and detection advantages. The use of the device is delineated both theoretically and experimentally with the results of an operational dielectric material. The mixed-crystal quantum ferroelectric is employed and detects 6 MeV alpha particles while operating at 1.2 K in the first detection conducted. The temperature dependence of the dielectric constant in the materials allows for the elimination of resistive sensors in microcalorimeters, thereby improving the ultimate sensitivity of the instrument.
Document ID
19910063375
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Silver, Eric (Lawrence Livermore National Lab. Livermore, CA, United States)
Labov, S. (Lawrence Livermore National Lab. Livermore, CA, United States)
Pfafman, T. (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Livermore, CA, United States)
Goulding, F. (Lawrence Livermore National Lab. Livermore, CA, United States)
Landis, D. (Lawrence Livermore National Lab. Livermore, CA, United States)
Madden, N. (Lawrence Livermore National Lab. Livermore, CA, United States)
Beeman, J. (Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory Berkeley, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1990
Subject Category
Instrumentation And Photography
Meeting Information
Meeting: High-energy astrophysics in the 21st century