Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Dec 1992
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1992esasp.356...21p&link_type=abstract
In its Proceedings of an ESA Symposium on Photon Detectors for Space Instrumentation p 21-26 (SEE N94-15025 03-19)
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
2
Photons, Semiconductor Junctions, Spaceborne Astronomy, Superconductors, Ultraviolet Detectors, X Ray Astronomy, Optical Measuring Instruments, Quantum Efficiency, Radiation Counters, Technology Assessment
Scientific paper
Considerable theoretical and experimental effort is being devoted to the development of superconducting tunnel junction X-ray photon counting detectors, with the goal of providing good quantum efficiency combined with high energy resolution. The fundamental physical processes underlying the use of such detectors (the partial destruction of the superconducting state leading to free charge carriers which can be detected through quantum mechanical tunneling at the junctions) are equally applicable at longer wavelengths. Optical photon counting should be possible using an array of closely packed junctions, or with an array of widely spaced junctions fabricated on a superconducting substrate of higher energy gap, employing the principle of quasi-particle trapping. Such a device should combine most of the advantages of CCD's (Charge Coupled Devices) and present photon counting systems; as a specific example, the combination of Al junctions with a Nb or Sn substrate provides the basis for a large area detector with very high sensitivity to individual optical and UV photons, high intrinsic time resolution, and moderate energy resolution. Some key astronomical applications of such a device are noted.
Foden Clare L.
Peacock Aaron
Perryman Michael . A. C.
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