Study of a novel transition radiation detector utilizing superconducting microspheres for measuring the energy of relativistic high energy charged particles

In want of a detector capable of measuring accurately the energy of relativ istic high energy charged particles, a novel transition radiation detector (TRD) utilizing superheated superconducting microspheres of tin of 22-26 mu m, 27-32 mum and 32-38 mum in diameter respectively has been constructed. F or the purpose of enhancing the TR effect, the TRD is operated at similar t o 100 mK. Test has been conducted in a high energy electron beam facility a t the CERN PS in the energy range of 1-10 GeV showing an energy dependence of the TR X-ray photon produced and hence the value gamma = E / mc(2) of th e charged particle.