High-resolution calorimetry: limitations of doped semiconductor thermometers

Small thermal calorimeters operating at cryogenic temperatures have achieved an energy resolution for single X-ray photons that is a factor of 20 better than the theoretical limit for a silicon ionization detector. To determine the potential for further improvements and decide on likely routes for achieving them, we discuss detector design optimization, first for an ideal calorimeter, and then for the case where components exhibit non-ideal behavior. Two serious non-ideal properties of doped semiconductor thermometers are electron–phonon decoupling and excess noise. These have been characterized over a range of sensitivity and operating temperature, and their effects on design optimization and ultimate performance can be evaluated.