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

最近的实验与P型点接触（PPC）锗探测器已导致识别的几个残留源的电子噪声目前限制其能量分辨率和灵敏度小的能量沉积。该奖项将为系统的调查和消除提供资金，从而改进制造，包装和读出方法。交付成果预计将是a）一种新的锗技术，将超低噪声X射线和高效伽马光谱的优点结合到单个辐射探测器中，以及B）开发制造技术，从而实现可再现、可靠的最佳PPC性能，使探测器符合行业标准。预计更广泛的影响是多方面的，包括为学生提供培训，以及展示具有无与伦比能力的新一代锗探测器的基础、应用和商业用途。该集团计划推动其在以下方面的使用：a）监测核电设施，防止未申报的裂变材料转用，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PPC中实现新颖的背景抑制能力，以及d）通过在苏丹地下实验室的专门搜索，进一步提高PPC对一些轻暗物质候选者的灵敏度。

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.