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A high resolution gamma-ray spectrometer based on superconducting microcalorimeters
D A Bennett1, R D Horansky, D R Schmidt
1National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, Colorado 80305, USA.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|October 2, 2012
Summary
Researchers developed the largest multiplexed array of transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeters for advanced gamma-ray spectroscopy. This 256-pixel device offers unprecedented energy resolution for applications like nuclear material analysis.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Nuclear Engineering
Background:
- Advancements in fabrication and readout technologies enable larger arrays of gamma-ray microcalorimeters.
- Transition-edge sensors (TESs) offer exceptional energy resolution crucial for high-precision spectroscopy.
- Applications in nuclear material analysis are limited by closely-spaced spectral peaks, necessitating improved spectroscopic capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize the largest multiplexed array of TES microcalorimeters to date.
- To demonstrate the spectroscopic performance of a 256-pixel gamma-ray spectrometer.
- To review the design, fabrication, readout, and data processing of the instrument.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 256-pixel array of TES microcalorimeters.
- Implementation of multiplexed readout techniques for the entire array.
- Characterization of the energy resolution, dynamic range, and collecting area of the spectrometer.
Main Results:
- A 256-pixel spectrometer with 5 cm(2) collecting area was constructed.
- Average energy resolution of 53 eV (FWHM) at 97 keV was achieved.
- Successful multiplexed readout of 236 pixels (91%) demonstrated, yielding spectroscopic data.
Conclusions:
- The developed 256-pixel TES microcalorimeter array represents the largest multiplexed array to date.
- The instrument demonstrates high energy resolution and a broad dynamic range, suitable for demanding spectroscopic applications.
- This technology advances the capabilities for nondestructive analysis of nuclear materials and other fields requiring precise gamma-ray spectroscopy.
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