THE SUPERCONDUCTOR ENERGY GAP AND ITS EXPLICIT UTILIZATION IN RADIATION DETECTION.
Abstract
Specific results of the theory of supercon ductivity of Bardeen, Cooper, and Schrieffer are given, which can be used to calculate the ex pected performance of superconductors used for the detection of electromagnetic and particle radiation. The experiments of Glover an Tinkham, Giaever and Megerle, and others are described which give direct evidence that a temperature dependent energy gap exists in the electron spec trum of a superconductor. Data from these ex periments are given which indicate that this gap is centered at the Fermi level and is approxi mately equal to 3.5 kT sub c at absolute zero. Calculations, based on the theoretical results and experimenadatanestimate of the expected performance of proposed superconductor devices for detecting radiation. It is estimated that a superconductor tunnel device should respond to radiation in the band, 0.22 to 1.0 mm, which includes requencies, cur rently, both difficult to detect and generate. Proposed techniques for the detection of ioniz ing particles are also described. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 05, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0416006
Entities
People
- R.d. Hitchcock
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center