On the feasibility of high spatial resolution superconducting X-ray detectors

We discuss a class of superconducting particle/radiation detectors in which the readout is by magnetic means. Even a small energy deposition can change the state of a superconductor, leading to a drastic change of its electromagnetic properties. To increase the detector sensitivity, a highly granulated superconducting medium is used. Millions of physically separated sensors are read out in parallel by only a few channels of very sensitive D.C.-SQUID based electronics. We present the mathematical formulation of the problem and discuss how the excellent signal-to-noise ratio obtained using SQUIDs permits us to determine particle/photon localization.