Phonon-Mediated Distributed Transition-Edge-Sensor X-Ray Detector with Deep Trenches

Abstract

We continue our development of a phonon-mediated distributed-TES X-ray detector. X-rays are absorbed in a large silicon or germanium crystal, and the energy is read out by four distributed TESs. This design takes advantage of existing TES technology while overcoming the difficulties of designing spatially large arrays. In this paper, we discuss three detector designs. First, a silicon detector with 220 μm deep trenches through a 350 μm crystal. Second, a germanium detector with 275 μm deep trenches through a 550 μm crystal. Finally another silicon detector with 330 μm deep trenches through a 350 μm crystal. We discuss energy loss mechanisms in the detector and propose a reason for the energy resolution that we observe.