Title: NIST Develops Quantum Cryogenic Detectors for Advanced Particle Detection
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is developing advanced quantum cryogenic detectors for charged particle detection, particularly in high-precision fundamental physics experiments. These thermal kinetic inductance detectors (TKIDs) operate at sub-1K temperatures and have shown excellent energy resolution in x-ray and gamma-ray spectroscopy.
Key points:
– TKIDs use superconducting materials to detect charged particles by measuring changes in impedance caused by quasiparticles
– Potential to achieve energy resolutions better than 1 keV in large-area detectors
– Could revolutionize next-generation neutron beta decay experiments
– Initial prototype expected to achieve 500 eV energy resolution for 800 keV deposits
– Characterization using monoenergetic beta sources like 57Co and 109Cd
– Potential application in emiT experiment searching for time-reversal symmetry violation
The project aims to fully characterize TKID performance for charged particle detection and develop detectors for next-generation experiments. The technology could significantly improve experimental uncertainty and remove systematic effects in high-precision physics research.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/applied-quantum-sensors-charged-particle-detection
Keywords: Cryogenic Detectors, Superconducting Materials, Quantum Sensors, Thermal Kinetic Inductance Detectors (TKIDs)
