Multi-pixel readout of transition-edge sensors using a multi-input SQUID

We propose a new method to readout signals from a TES (superconducting Tran sition-Edge Sensor) calorimeter array with a single or a small number of SQ UIDs, Since phonon noise and Johnson noise of a calorimeter can be made ver y small in these calorimeters, an increase in noise, thus a degradation of energy resolution by adding signals from plural pixels together at some sta ge of signal processing may be acceptable for some applications of TES calo rimeters. We propose to use a SQUID with multi-input coils which will sense signals from different pixels. The input coils of a SQUID are electrically well-isolated from each other. The pixel that generates a signal can be id entified by utilizing additional information, such as the pulse shape. We s tudied the feasibility of this method with analysis and simulations, and sh ow for example, that a 16 x 16 pixel array can be read out with 16 SQUIDs. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.