Towards the Ultimate Performance in Ultra-Low Noise P-type Point Contact Germanium Detectors

最近对P型点接触(PPC)金探测器的实验已经识别出目前限制其能量分辨率和对小能量沉积的灵敏度的几个残余电子噪声源。该奖项将为它们的系统研究和减排提供资金，从而改进制造、包装和读出方法。预计交付成果将是a)将超低噪声X射线和高效率伽马能谱仪的优点结合到一个单一辐射探测器中的新的锗技术，以及b)制造技术的开发，从而导致可重复、可靠的最佳PPC性能，使探测器符合行业标准。预计更广泛的影响将是多方面的，包括向学生提供培训，以及展示具有无与伦比能力的新一代锗探测器的基本、应用和商业用途。该小组计划推进对以下方面的使用：a)监测核动力设施防止未申报的裂变材料转移；b)提高支持《全面禁止核试验条约》的空气监测系统的灵敏度；c)在商业性PPC中实施新的背景拒绝能力；d)通过在Soudan地下实验室进行专门搜索，进一步提高PPC对一些轻暗物质候选物的敏感性。

Recent experimentation with P-type Point Contact (PPC) gemanium detectors has lead to the identification of several residual sources of electronic noise presently limiting their energy resolution and sensitivity to small energy depositions. This award will provide funding for their systematic investigation and abatement, resulting in improved fabrication, packaging and read-out methods. The deliverables are expected to be a) a new germanium technology combining the virtues of ultra-low noise X-ray and high-efficiency gamma spectroscopies into a single radiation detector and b) the development of manufacturing techniques that lead to a reproducible, reliable optimal PPC performance making detectors that match an industry standard. The broader impacts are expected to be multiple, in providing training to students and by demonstrating fundamental, applied and commercial uses for a new generation of germanium detectors with unmatched capabilities. The group plans to advance their use for a) the monitoring of nuclear power facilities against undeclared diversion of fissile materials, b) improved sensitivity in air monitoring systems supporting the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, c) the implementation of a novel background rejection capability in commercial PPCs and d) further improvement of PPC sensitivity to a number of light dark matter candidates via a dedicated search at the Soudan underground laboratory.