High-accuracy cryogenic thermometry via Mott variable-range hopping for Athena/X-IFU
Space Telescopes and Instrumentation: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray, pp. 197
Abstract
We present a compact calibration method for cryogenic NTC thermistors based on the Mott variable-range hopping (MVRH) model, providing an accurate resistance–temperature relation from 40 mK to 40 K. By fitting R(T) with only a few coefficients and inverting it through a truncated Puiseux expansion, the method enables reliable temperature extraction from measured resistance values. Applied to RuO₂ and Ge sensors, it achieves relative residuals ≤1–1.7%, outperforming common polynomial or exponential calibrations while avoiding instability at low temperature. The approach remains robust for sparse datasets and ensures consistent calibration across multiple cryogenic stages. This physically grounded framework is well suited for space instruments requiring precise thermometry, such as the Athena X-IFU Focal Plane Assembly.
Authors 4
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Space Research Organisation Netherlands
Affiliation as printed
SRON Space Research Organization Netherlands (Netherlands)
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Space Research Organisation Netherlands
Affiliation as printed
SRON Space Research Organisation Netherlands (Netherlands)
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Space Research Organisation Netherlands
Affiliation as printed
SRON Space Research Organisation Netherlands (Netherlands)
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Space Research Organisation Netherlands
Affiliation as printed
SRON Space Research Organisation Netherlands (Netherlands)
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