Transition edge sensor-based detector: from X-ray to γ-ray

A transition edge sensor (TES) is extremely sensitive to changes in temperature, and combined with a high-Z metal of a certain thickness, it can realize high-energy resolution measurements of particles such as X-rays. X-rays with energies below 10 keV have a weak penetrating ability, hence, only gold or bismuth of a few micrometers in thickness can guarantee a quantum efficiency higher than 70%. Therefore, the entire structure of the TES X-ray detector in this energy range can be realized using a microfabrication process. However, for X-rays or gamma-rays from 10 keV to 200 keV, submillimeter absorber layers are required, which cannot be realized using the microfabrication process. This paper first briefly introduces a set of TES X-ray detectors and their auxiliary systems, and then focuses on the introduction of the TES gamma-ray detector with an absorber based on a submillimeter lead-tin alloy sphere. The detector achieved a quantum efficiency above 70% near 100 keV and an energy resolution of approximately 161.5 eV at 59.5 keV.