ABSTRACT
In the previous chapters we have seen how the quasi-continuous small energy loss of charged particles enables the detection of these particles in tracking detectors, typically made of thin detector layers. A different approach is taken in calorimeters, where the particle ultimately is fully absorbed. If the particle has a high energy it is lost in a cascade of secondary interactions until all particles in the cascade have come to a stop. Despite the name, calorimeters in particle physics usually do not measure the heat generated in the detector material, as this is usually too small to be detected, except at extremely low temperatures, and the typical signal is either ionisation charge or scintillation light.
