Particle detection with semiconductor thermistors at low temperatures

Conference · Tue Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:6543458

Wang, N; Beeman, J; Cleland, A N; Cummings, A; Lange, A; Ross, R; Sadoulet, B; Steiner, H; Shutt, T; Wellstood, F C

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
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

440300* -- Miscellaneous Instruments-- (-1989)
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
656002 -- Condensed Matter Physics-- General Techniques in Condensed Matter-- (1987-)
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
DETECTION
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
GE SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
PHONONS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
QUASI PARTICLES
RADIATION DETECTION
RADIATION DETECTORS
SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES
THERMISTORS
X-RAY DETECTION