Abstract
In the last years, optical readout of Micromegas gaseous detectors has been achieved by implementing a Micromegas detector on a glass anode coupled to a CMOS camera. Effective X-ray ...radiography was demonstrated using integrated imaging approach. High granularity values have been reached for low-energy X-rays from radioactive sources and X-ray generators.
Detector characterization with X-ray radiography has led to two applications: neutron imaging for non-destructive examination of highly gamma-ray emitting objects and beta imaging for the single cell activity tagging in the field of oncology drug studies.
First measurements investigating the achievable spatial resolution of the glass Micromegas detector at the SOLEIL synchrotron facility with a high-intensity and flat irradiation field will be shown in this article.
Recent developments have shown that coupling a Micromegas gaseous detector on a glass substrate with a transparent anode and a CMOS camera enables the optical readout of Micromegas detectors with a ...good spatial resolution, demonstrating that the glass Micromegas detector is well-suited for imaging. This feasibility test has been effectuated with low-energy X-ray photons also permitting energy resolved imaging. This test opens the way to different applications. Here we will focus on two applications. Namely, neutron imaging for non-destructive examination of highly gamma-ray emitting objects, such as irradiated nuclear fuel or radioactive waste. And secondly, we are developing a beta imager for the cell tagging in the field of anticancerous drug studies.
Both applications require to design the detectors in view of the specific constraints of reactor dismantling and medical applications: spatial resolution and strong gamma suppression for neutron imaging and precise rate and energy spectrum measurements for the beta.
A dedicated system consisting of a glass Micromegas detector and an ultrasensitive camera has been designed and assembled. Here we present the first results from the characterization of the detectors, as well as the first acquired images.
Radiation imaging with glass Micromegas Brunbauer, F.M.; Desforge, D.; Ferrer-Ribas, E. ...
Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section A, Accelerators, spectrometers, detectors and associated equipment,
03/2020, Letnik:
955
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Optically recording scintillation light emitted by MicroPattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs) with imaging sensors is a versatile and performant readout modality taking advantage of modern high ...granularity imaging sensors. To allow scintillation light readout of a detector based on MicroMesh Gaseous Structure (Micromegas) technology, we have integrated a Micromegas on a glass substrate with a transparent anode. In addition to optical detection of scintillation light emitted during electron avalanche multiplication between the micromesh and the anode, this setup also achieves a good energy resolution. A glass Micromegas detector was operated in an Ar/CF4 gas mixture and showed a response comparable to conventional Micromegas detectors. The spectrum of the emitted scintillation light was recorded and shown to be equivalent to the one obtained with other gaseous detectors in the same gas mixture. Optically read out images were recorded with CCD cameras and integrated X-ray radiographic imaging with good spatial resolution was demonstrated. A spatial resolution of 440μm (10% MTF) was found. Single X-ray photon detection with a high-sensitivity camera was achieved, which potentially permits energy-resolved X-ray fluorescence imaging.
Implementation of the VMM ASIC in the Scalable Readout System Lupberger, M.; Bartels, L.; Brunbauer, F.M. ...
Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section A, Accelerators, spectrometers, detectors and associated equipment,
09/2018, Letnik:
903
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
The Scalable Readout System (SRS) developed by the RD51 collaboration is a versatile and multi-purpose approach, which is used with different front-end chips to transfer data from detectors to ...computers. Targeting mainly micro-pattern gaseous detectors, the system is also applicable for silicon strip or pad detectors. The most frequently used front-end chip today is the APV25, originally developed for the CMS pixel detector. In the scope of the ATLAS New Small Wheel upgrade, a new front-end chip, the VMM, is developed, which has significantly improved specifications compared to the APV25.
We report on the implementation of the VMM in the Scalable Readout System carried out by the RD51 collaboration in the framework of a detector project related to the European Spallation Source ERIC. Due to the hierarchical design of the Scalable Readout System, only specific parts of the readout chain need to be adapted or designed, which is the carrier board for the front-end chip, an adapter card that connects to the common hardware of the system and the firmware for a field programmable gate array. In addition, we have developed dedicated software for slow control, data acquisition and online monitoring. The readout system has been tested in the laboratory and in particle beams and we present results which proof the functioning of the system, even though it is still in a prototype state.
We are developing gaseous photon detectors for Cherenkov imaging applications in the experiments at the future Electron Ion Collider. CsI, converting photons in the far ultraviolet range, is, so far, ...the only photoconverter compatible with the operation of gaseous detectors. It is very delicate to handle due to its hygroscopic nature: the absorbed water vapour decomposes the CsI molecule. In addition, its quantum efficiency degrades under ion bombardment. These are the key reasons to quest for novel, less delicate materials for photocathodes adequate for gaseous photon detectors. Layers of hydrogenated nanodiamond particles have recently been proposed as an alternative material and have shown promising characteristics. The performance of nanodiamond photocathodes coupled to thick GEM-based detectors is the objects of our ongoing R&D. The first phase of these studies includes the characterization of thick GEM coated with nanodiamond layers and the robustness of its photoconverting properties with respect to the bombardment by ions from the multiplication process in the gaseous detector. The approach is described in detail as well as all the results obtained so far within these exploratory studies.
Minimizing distortions with sectored GEM electrodes Marques, A.P.; Brunbauer, F.M.; Müller, H. ...
Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section A, Accelerators, spectrometers, detectors and associated equipment,
05/2020, Letnik:
961
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Electrode sectorization is an important design principle for large area GEM based detectors. It reduces the energy of discharges and permits to disconnect defective or shorted sectors, but induces a ...local signal distortion and a potential efficiency loss. We implemented and evaluated a new design approach for the insulating gaps between electrode sectors, to minimize or mitigate distortions and dead regions. By preserving the hole pattern of GEMs even in the insulating region between electrode sectors, the response of the detector in these regions was partly recovered resulting in reduced distortions. Single-side sectored GEMs were optically read out to study the influence of different sectorization patterns. Recorded images show a clear improvement with full holes both aligned with the rows and with a random alignment as compared to the traditional blank insulating strip between sectors. A sectored GEM manufactured on a substrate coated with a resistive DLC layer was evaluated and shown to minimize distortions. The investigated sectorization patterns provide a way of recovering signals in the insulating or resistive regions between sectors in GEM-based detectors.
Live event reconstruction in an optically read out GEM-based TPC Brunbauer, F.M.; Galgóczi, G.; Gonzalez Diaz, D. ...
Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section A, Accelerators, spectrometers, detectors and associated equipment,
04/2018, Letnik:
886
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Combining strong signal amplification made possible by Gaseous Electron Multipliers (GEMs) with the high spatial resolution provided by optical readout, highly performing radiation detectors can be ...realized. An optically read out GEM-based Time Projection Chamber (TPC) is presented. The device permits 3D track reconstruction by combining the 2D projections obtained with a CCD camera with timing information from a photomultiplier tube. Owing to the intuitive 2D representation of the tracks in the images and to automated control, data acquisition and event reconstruction algorithms, the optically read out TPC permits live display of reconstructed tracks in three dimensions. An Ar/CF4 (80/20%) gas mixture was used to maximize scintillation yield in the visible wavelength region matching the quantum efficiency of the camera. The device is integrated in a UHV-grade vessel allowing for precise control of the gas composition and purity. Long term studies in sealed mode operation revealed a minor decrease in the scintillation light intensity.
The performance of a Thick-COBRA (THCOBRA) gaseous detector is studied using an optical readout technique. The operation principle of this device is described, highlighting its operation in a gas ...mixture of Ar/CF4 (80/20 %) for visible scintillation light emission. The contributions to the total gain from the holes and the anode strips as a function of the applied bias voltage were visualized. The preservation of spatial information from the initial ionizations was demonstrated by analyzing the light emission from 5.9 keV X-rays of an 55Fe source. The observed non-uniformity of the scintillation light from the holes supports the claim of a space localization accuracy better than the pitch of the holes. The acquired images were used to identify weak points and sources of instabilities in view of the development of new optimized structures.
Crystallography or X-ray fluorescence experiments which require good signal to noise ratios and high position resolution can take advantage of the outstanding signal amplification capabilities of ...MicroPattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs) such as Gaseous Electron Multipliers (GEMs) coupled with the position resolution achieved by optical readout realized with CCD or CMOS cameras. Increasing the detection probability of incident radiation with thicker drift volumes in these detectors leads to a spatial resolution-limiting parallax error when employing parallel electric field lines in the drift region.
We describe a new GEM-based detector concept, consisting of a cathode, GEM electrodes and field shaping rings suitably segmented and powered to create a radial electric field, thus minimizing the parallax error. A CCD camera is used to record scintillation light originating from charge multiplication in the high field of the GEM holes in an Ar/CF4 (80/20%) gas mixture. Assembled as pinhole camera, the device permits to obtain high detection efficiencies for soft X-rays, exempt from the parallax error intrinsic in the use of standard gaseous detectors with thick conversion layers. The use of several GEMs in cascade allows for high charge multiplication factors. Switching from straight to radially focused drift field lines, a significant reduction of the parallax error as well as an increased signal-to-noise ratio were achieved, effectively paving the way for applications such as X-ray crystallography realized with optically read out GEMs.
Developments in quantum technologies in the last decades have led to a wide range of applications, but have also resulted in numerous novel approaches to explore the low energy particle physics ...parameter space. The potential for applications of quantum technologies to high energy particle physics endeavors has however not yet been investigated to the same extent. In this paper, we propose a number of areas where specific approaches built on quantum systems such as low-dimensional systems (quantum dots, 2D atomic layers) or manipulations of ensembles of quantum systems (single atom or polyatomic systems in detectors or on detector surfaces) might lead to improved high energy particle physics detectors, specifically in the areas of calorimetry, tracking or timing.
PDF
