Nb tunnel junctions as x-ray spectrometers

摘要

Abstract: The properties of niobium superconducting tunnel junctions as x-ray detectors are investigated. The charge output, which depends on the geometry of the system, is severely reduced by self recombination in small size junctions and the specific characteristics of the barrier. These loss mechanisms, coupled with another energy loss mechanism due to phonon propagation into the substrate, cause additional variances on the charge output, which degrade the energy resolution. !9