Sources of Calorimeter Noise

One of the factors limiting the ability of calorimeters to measure small amounts of material is the noise in the calorimeter response. If the sources of the noise can be identified, work can be started to reduce the noise or compensate for it. An experimental and analytical study has been carried out examining the noise components found in a calorimeter of the type commonly used by Department of Energy (DOE) facilities. The results of the study will be presented along with initial thoughts about how the effects of the noise can be reduced.