Bolometric detection of particles

Pure dielectric and diamagnetic materials working at low temperatures, coupled with suitable thermal sensors, can be used to measure the energy released by a single particle, in ionizing and non-ionizing events, with very high resolution. This capability makes bolometers very interesting devices for detection of rare decays, neutrino interactions, determination of electron neutrino mass and dark matter measurements. Developments in bolometers as particle detectors are presented especially in view of large mass detectors for underground measurements of rare decays, neutrinos and dark matter. A brief review of other kinds of cryogenic detectors is also given together with a short introduction to the bolometer theory. (orig.)