High Resolution Cryogenic Calorimeter for Beta and Gamma Ray Detection

130 High Resolution Cryogenic Calorimeter for Beta and Gamma Ray Detection--Concept Technology, 10395 Mountain Glen Terrace, San Diego, CA 92131-1370; (619) 695-0402 Dr. Alan Singsaas, Principal Investigator Dr. Alan Singsaas, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-97ER82354 Amount: $74,976 Better ways for detection of beta and gamma rays with greater energy resolution than that currently available would have great advantages for nuclear physics experiments. Low-probability interactions could be detected more easily in the presence of background noise, and radiation from unrelated interactions could be separated, permitting the component interactions to be identified. This project involves the development of high resolution cryogenic detectors consisting of superconducting radiation absorbers and highly sensitive superconducting thermometers for detection of beta rays and gamma rays with energy resolution at least ten times greater than the common high-purity germanium detectors currently in use. These elements singly have been used successfully in detection schemes; this project will combine them into a high performance, manufacturable system. In Phase I materials will be selected for the absorber and superconducting thin film sensor, a prototype detector will be fabricated, and its ability to detect gamma rays with an energy resolution exceeding that of commercially available germanium detectors will be demonstrated. Existing laboratory cryogenic and data collection facilities will be used in Phase I to establish the feasibility of the system. In Phase II a completely self-contained, compact system for gamma ray detection will be constructed which will also be effective for other types of radiation with similar penetrating power. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The novel cryogenic detector proposed herein would facilitate nuclear physics experiments requiring better energy resolution in detection of beta and gamma rays. The increased detector sensitivity also makes them desirable for industrial applications such as detecting radioactive impurities in semiconductor materials and medical radiology. The technology would also be extendible to other types of radiation or particles with similar penetrating power.