High-resolution x-ray detection at 1.2 K with niobium superconducting tunnel junctions

Peter Verhoeve; Nicola Rando; P. H. Videler; Anthony J. Peacock; Axel van Dordrecht; D. J. Goldie; John M. Lumley; J. Howlett; M. Wallis; R. Venn

doi:10.1117/12.193185

7 November 1994 High-resolution x-ray detection at 1.2 K with niobium superconducting tunnel junctions

Peter Verhoeve, Nicola Rando, P. H. Videler, Anthony J. Peacock, Axel van Dordrecht, D. J. Goldie, John M. Lumley, J. Howlett, M. Wallis, R. Venn

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 2283, X-Ray and Ultraviolet Spectroscopy and Polarimetry; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.193185
Event: SPIE's 1994 International Symposium on Optics, Imaging, and Instrumentation, 1994, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

X-ray spectra at 6 keV from niobium based superconducting tunnel junctions with highly transmissive tunnel barriers are presented. Signals from the two films can clearly by discriminated by their different temporal and pulse height characteristics. Levels of tunneled charge as high as 2.7 X 10⁶ electrons at 5.9 keV are observed. The best energy resolution obtained at T equals 1.2 K is 53 eV FWHM including electronic noise, for a 50 X 50 micrometers ² device in a configuration where the x-ray source is collimated to selectively illuminate the center part of the device. Non-linearity is observed which appears dependent on film volume, implying that self recombination may play an important role in these devices. The energy resolution is found to degrade with increasing magnetic field. The spectra from the polycrystalline top film appear significantly degraded if magnetic flux is deliberately trapped in the device.

Citation Download Citation

Peter Verhoeve, Nicola Rando, P. H. Videler, Anthony J. Peacock, Axel van Dordrecht, D. J. Goldie, John M. Lumley, J. Howlett, M. Wallis, and R. Venn "High-resolution x-ray detection at 1.2 K with niobium superconducting tunnel junctions", Proc. SPIE 2283, X-Ray and Ultraviolet Spectroscopy and Polarimetry, (7 November 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.193185

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