Introduction to quantum sensors in cryogenic particle detection

Abstract

Cryogenic detectors have been important tools in many aspects of science because their sensitivities can provide more than extreme limits of conventional semiconductor based detectors. The sensor developments in cryogenic particle detection are based on the precise measurement of noble properties of condensed matter in low temperatures. The major measurement technologies originate from quantum measurements, phase transitions and superconducting electronics. Although the early developments of cryogenic detectors were initiated by applications to elementary particle physics, they have been adopted in biology, forensics, and security as well as astronomy and nuclear science. Various types of cryogenic detectors cover a wide energy range from THz radiations to hundreds MeV particles. We review the recent development of sensor technologies in cryogenic particle detection. The measurement principles are covered together with applications to elementary particle physics and THz measurement.