Simulation of Phonon Thermalization in a Single-photon Detector on the Basis of CeB6 Thermoelectric Sensor

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Interest in single-photon detectors (SPD) has recently increased dramatically, due to many novel applications. The most developed SPD are currently based on superconductors. Following the theory, thermoelectric detectors (TSPS) can compete with superconducting detectors. The operational principle of TSPD is based on photon absorption by absorber as a result of which a temperature gradient is generated across the sensor. In this work we present the results of computer modeling of the TSPD. We observe the processes of heat distribution after absorption of a photon of 1eV(IR), 10eV(UV), 100eV(hard UV) and 1keV(X-rays) energy in different areas of the absorber for different geometries of absorbers and sensor. The calculations were carried out by the matrix method for differential equations using parameters for the tungsten absorber and thermoelectric bridge made of CeB6. The time dependence of the temperature difference between the ends of the thermoelectric bridge and electric potential appearing across the sensor are calculated. The results of calculations show that it is realistic to detect single photons from IR to X-ray and define their energy by accuracy no less than 10%: without additional amplification of the obtained signals for their registration, while providing count rates exceeding 100 GHz!

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Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 4, Advanced Manufacturing, Electronics and Microsystems: TechConnect Briefs 2015
Published: June 14, 2015
Pages: 278 - 281
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: Informatics, Modeling & Simulation
ISBN: 978-1-4987-4730-1