Calorimetric particle detectors with superconducting transition edge thermometers

The author discusses the development of calorimetric detectors utilizing large absorber crystals coupled to superconducting transition edge thermometers. At low temperature, high energy resolution results from the low detector heat capacity and the strong temperature dependence of the resistance of the thermometer at the normal/superconducting phase transition. The transition edge thermometer is a thin film at very low T/sub c/ superconductor deposited directly on the absorber. Results from two detectors yielding excellent energy resolution are presented. One of these detectors was fabricated with an Ir strip thermometer, and the other with an Ir/Au proximity effect bilayer. Detailed studies have resulted in a model which will be used to optimize future detectors.<>