LOW-TEMPERATURE THERMAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SUPPORT MATERIAL FOR MASSIVE CRYOGENIC DETECTORS

Materials used in the realization of supports for massive cryogenic detectors must have several properties which should be known down to the detector working temperature. This does not always happens, because of the difficulties in the measurement of material characteristics at very low temperatures. We studied the thermal properties of a Polypropylene copolymer (PP) at temperatures as close as possible to the working temperature (10 mK) of CUORE (Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events), in view of the possible use of PP in the realization of the supports for the TeO₂ crystal absorbers (750g). From the data obtained we conclude that, from a thermal point of view, PP is adequate for use as support material in cryogenic massive detectors.