NIST researchers have developed advanced microcalorimeter x-ray detectors that provide exceptional energy resolution across a wide range of x-ray energies. However, the complexity of these detectors, including their small size, low operating temperatures, and superconducting electronics, has hindered their widespread use and commercialization.
The team is working to overcome these technical challenges by focusing on areas such as automated energy calibration, real-time pulse analysis, and combined spectra from multiple detectors. They are also collaborating with other researchers to advance microcalorimeter and microbolometer technology for applications such as quantum cryptography.
The researchers have published several papers on their work, including studies on improving energy stability in their detectors and high-resolution x-ray spectroscopy. Their goal is to simplify the operation and calibration of these instruments, making them more accessible and useful for researchers in physics and materials science.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/mml/mmsd/microanalysis/microcalorimeter-x-ray-detector
Keywords: Microcalorimeter, Transition-edge sensor, Photon, Detector, X-ray
