High-resolution gamma-ray detection using phonon-mediated detectors

We are presenting the results of our ongoing efforts to develop a new type of focal plane detector for the 10 to 100 keV band with an energy resolution of 0.1 %. The device will measure energy and position by using microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKIDs) to sense athermal phonons created by photon absorption in a dielectric substrate. We have fabricated a proof-of-concept detector of size 2 cm × 2 cm × 1 mm on silicon, which has demonstrated a baseline energy resolution of = 0.38 keV and = 0.55 keV at 30 keV