Physics and Applications of Cryogenic Detectors (MVSpec)

Cryogenic detectors are an emerging key technology for research and application. Ultra-high resolution, universal use for matter and radiation, linearity, and high quantum efficiency are very attractive features of such devices for particle detection, metrology, radiation spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Here will discuss the underlying physics, the different concepts and realisations of such detectors as well as their key applications.

Winter term 2026/27
Lecturer C. Enss
Time Mon, Wed 11:15-13:00
Room KIP SR 2.404

First lecture: Wed 14.10. 26

Content

Introduction

History of Calorimetric Detection
Types of Cryogenic Detectors
Overview of Applications

Cryogenic Micro Calorimeters - Thermal Detectors

Concept and Theoretical Description
Semiconductor Thermistors
Transition Edge Sensors
Metallic Magnetic Calorimeters

Athermal Detectors

Superconducting Tunnel Junction
Kinetic Inductance Detectors
Superfluid Helium Detectors
Detectors with Massive Absorbers

Applications

Atomic and Molecular Physics
Nuclear Physics
Cosmology
Astro-particle Physics
Metrology