Particle detection with semiconductor thermistors at low temperatures
We have studied the use of neutron transmutation doped (NTD) Ge thermistors as phonon sensors at dilution refrigerator temperatures. In addition to measuring their thermal and electrical properties, we have observed pulses generated by X-rays incident on a thermistor thermally well-clamped to a heat sink. We find that during these pulses the lattice temperature of the thermistor apparently does not change. This surprising result is interpreted as evidence of a strong coupling between the high energy phonons generated by the interaction and the charge carriers in the thermistor. Additionally, these phonons appear to be absorbed within a fraction of a millimeter. We conclude that these thermistors have several desirable properties for a good high energy phonon sensor. It remains to be seen, however, if a composite detector consisting of a large crystal and attached phonon sensors can be developed. 15 refs., 9 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Berkeley Lab., CA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-76SF00098
- OSTI ID:
- 6543458
- Report Number(s):
- LBL-26317; CONF-881103-32; ON: DE89006665
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: IEEE nuclear science symposium, Orlando, FL, USA, 9 Nov 1988; Other Information: Paper copy only, copy does not permit microfiche production
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
A cryogenic phonon detector to search for dark matter particles
Neutron transmutation doped (Ntd) germanium thermistors for sub-Mm bolometer applications
Related Subjects
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
GE SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
PHONONS
DETECTION
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
THERMISTORS
X-RAY DETECTION
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
QUASI PARTICLES
RADIATION DETECTION
RADIATION DETECTORS
SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES
440300* - Miscellaneous Instruments- (-1989)
656002 - Condensed Matter Physics- General Techniques in Condensed Matter- (1987-)