Optimization of Electrically Cooled Complex HPGe Detector

This article presents a novel technique used for design and optimization of a composite HPGe detector with two or three encapsulated Ge-crystals and based on electromechanical cooling engine. In this technique is accentuated on the detailed investigation of the heat transfer processes -- each one separately and in complex, and their impact on the detector performance. The dominating heat transfer mechanisms have been identified and appropriate mathematical model has been applied. Temperature distributions within the detector structure are calculated for various environment and cooling conditions and the functional characteristics of the assembly as well the minimal necessary cooling power of the cooling engine, needed to reach the operational temperature range, are determined. For the typical cooling power of the engine X-Cooler II of 3 W, the temperature of the crystal is found to be comfortably within the operational range of the HPGe detectors.