Re: ATM [Fwd: [ASTRO] New Optical Detector Could Revolutionize Astronomy]

[Stuart Field <field@lamar.Colostate.EDU>]

Jim Gort wrote:
> 
> This development seems highly promising and bears watching by both the professional
> and amateur communities.

I wouldn't hold my breath - did you notice the 80 ***mK*** temperature? You
need a dilution refrigerator - current cost $150K. These detectors work only
at these absurdly low temperatures, because there the specific heat of the
tungsten is so infinitesmal that the slightest heat (from one photon) causes a
noticable rise in temperature.

> And as more
> high-temperature superconductors are developed, ATMs may also "soon" take advantage
> of the technology.

High-temp SCs won't work because at those high temperatures (90K) the specific
heat is much larger.

BTW, Cabrera is the guy who once found a magnetic monopole.  Never could
repeat it...
> 

====================================================================
Stuart Field                                          (970)-491-3773
Associate Professor, Physics                     Lab: (970)-491-7605
Colorado State University                        Fax: (970)-491-7947
Fort Collins, CO 80523                     field@lamar.colostate.edu
http://lamar.colostate.edu/~field
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