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At least 307 records · Page 17

Status of the Short-Baseline Near Detector at Fermilab

The Short-Baseline Near Detector (SBND) is one of the Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) neutrino detectors positioned along the axis of the Booster Neutrino Beam (BNB) at Fermilab, and is the near detector in the Short-Baseline Neutrino (SBN) Program. The detector has completed Run 1, successfully recording approximately 3 million neutrino interactions, and started Run 2 in the autumn of 2025. SBND is characterized by superb imaging capabilities and will record around 3 million neutrino interactions per year. Thanks to its unique combination of measurement resolution and statistics, SBND will soon carry out a rich program of neutrino interaction measurements and novel searches for physics beyond the Standard Model (BSM). As the near detector, it will enable the full potential of the SBN sterile neutrino program by performing a precise characterization of the unoscillated event rate and constraining the BNB flux and neutrino-argon cross-section systematic uncertainties. In this talk, the physics reach, current status, and future prospects of SBND are discussed.

Del Tutto, Marco [Fermilab]↗

Performance of the AstroPix Prototype Module for the Barrel Imaging Calorimeter at the ePIC Detector and in Space-Based Payloads

AstroPix is a high-voltage CMOS (HV-CMOS) monolithic active pixel sensor originally developed to enable precision gamma-ray imaging and spectroscopy in the medium-energy regime (~100 keV–100 MeV) based on the groundwork laid by ATLASpix and MuPix. It features a 500 μm pixel pitch, in-pixel amplification and digitization, and low power consumption (~3-4 mW/cm2), making it scalable for large-area, multilayer telescope detector planes. The detectors have a designed dynamic range of 25 keV to 700 keV. With these features, AstroPix meets the requirements of future space-based high-energy telescopes and the imaging layers of the Barrel Imaging Calorimeter (BIC) in the Electron-Proton/Ion Collider (ePIC) detector at the future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). For the space-based payload, AstroPix is being integrated into sounding rocket and balloon payloads to demonstrate the technical readiness of the devices. For BIC, AstroPix-based imaging layers interleaved within the lead/scintillating-fiber (Pb/SciFi) sampling calorimeter provide granular shower imaging, enabling key performance features such as electron/pion or gamma/neutral pion separation. As part of the ongoing detector R&D efforts, we have been testing various AstroPix_v3 configurations: the single chip, a quad-chip assembly, a three-layer stack of quad chips, and a 9-chip module that represents the smallest prototype unit of the BIC imaging layer. This presentation will highlight recent performance test results from these AstroPix detector configurations.

Kim, Bobae (ORCID:0000000295396815)↗

MATHUSLA: An External Long-Lived Particle Detector to Maximize the Discovery Potential of the HL-LHC

We present the current status of the MATHUSLA (MAssive Timing Hodoscope for Ultra-Stable neutraL pArticles) long-lived particle (LLP) detector at the HL-LHC, covering the design, fabrication and installation at CERN Point 5. MATHUSLA40 is a 40 m-scale detector with an air-filled decay volume that is instrumented with scintillator tracking detectors, to be located near CMS. Its large size, close proximity to the CMS interaction point and about 100 m of rock shielding from LHC backgrounds allows it to detect LLP production rates and lifetimes that are one to two orders of magnitude beyond the ultimate reach of the LHC main detectors. This provides unique sensitivity to many LLP signals that are highly theoretically motivated, due to their connection to the hierarchy problem, the nature of dark matter, and baryogenesis. Data taking is projected to commence with the start of HL-LHC operations. We summarize the new 40m design for the detector that was recently presented in the MATHUSLA Conceptual Design Report, alongside new realistic background and signal simulations that demonstrate high efficiency for the main target LLP signals in a background-free HL-LHC search. We argue that MATHUSLA's uniquely robust expansion of the HL-LHC physics reach is a crucial ingredient in CERN's mission to search for new physics and characterize the Higgs boson with precision.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Radiation Effects of Protons and Electrons in Silicon Diffused-Junction Detectors

Diffused n-on-p silicon particle detectors were irradiated with 1-Mev electrons, and with 31-Mev and 8.2-Mev protons. The detector capacitance was observed to increase with electron irradiation and to decrease with proton irradiation. A physical interpretation is given in terms of defect energy levels known to be introduced in silicon by irradiation. Defect ionization states are taken to be characteristic of the space-charge region, rather than of bulk silicon. The relation to other studies of damage in semiconductor particle detectors is pointed out, considering differences in the types of detector and irradiation used. The significance of these results is discussed for detector applications where the damage threshold is exceeded.

Scott, R. E.↗

Design and development of solid state detector for SCADS

Solid state detector technology was applied to the fabrication and testing of cadmium sulfide and silicon narrow slit detector/preamplifier subassemblies. Fabrication of the silicon detector and the cadmium sulfide detectors was accomplished by utilizing cadmium sulfide cells and silicon cells. Fabrication of the preamplifiers for both silicon and cadmium sulfide slit type detectors was also carried out. The design of these preamplifiers was adjusted to ascertain that the limiting noise source of the detector/preamplifier subassembly is the detector and the input cable.

Source record↗

A low temperature gravitational radiation detector

The beginning design of an experiment is discussed for studying gravitational radiation by using massive detectors which are cooled to ultralow temperatures in order to improve the signal to noise ratios and the effective range and stability of the detectors. The gravitational detector, a low detection system, a cooled detector, magnetic support, superconducting shielding, and superconducting accelerometer detector are described.

Hamilton, W. O.↗

A high resolution semiconductor detector for applications in space

Nuclear radiation detectors with volumes of approximately 1 cu cm was fabricated from single crystals of germanium-silicon alloy containing as much as 20 weight percent germanium. The properties of these detectors were investigated and will be discussed. Tests reveal that the gamma ray photoelectric peak efficiency of an alloy detector with only 12 weight percent germanium is approximately 4 times that of a silicon detector of equal volume. The room temperature roomure appears to be a good possibility. Storage for long periods at room temperature does not seem to adversely affect these devices. The results of preliminary radiation damage experiments suggest that the alloy detectors possess a radiation damage resistance far greater than that of silicon.

Alexander, P.↗

Measurements of electron detection efficiencies in solid state detectors.

Detailed laboratory measurement of the electron response of solid state detectors as a function of incident electron energy, detector depletion depth, and energy-loss discriminator threshold. These response functions were determined by exposing totally depleted silicon surface barrier detectors with depletion depths between 50 and 1000 microns to the beam from a magnetic beta-ray spectrometer. The data were extended to 5000 microns depletion depth using the results of previously published Monte Carlo electron calculations. When the electron counting efficiency of a given detector is plotted as a function of energy-loss threshold for various incident energies, the efficiency curves are bounded by a smooth envelope which represents the upper limit to the detection efficiency. These upper limit curves, which scale in a simple way, make it possible to easily estimate the electron sensitivity of solid-state detector systems.

Lupton, J. E.↗

Synthesis and evaluation of phase detectors for active bit synchronizers

Self-synchronizing digital data communication systems usually use active or phase-locked loop (PLL) bit synchronizers. The three main elements of PLL synchronizers are the phase detector, loop filter, and the voltage controlled oscillator. Of these three elements, phase detector synthesis is the main source of difficulty, particularly when the received signals are demodulated square-wave signals. A phase detector synthesis technique is reviewed that provides a physically realizable design for bit synchronizer phase detectors. The development is based upon nonlinear recursive estimation methods. The phase detector portion of the algorithm is isolated and analyzed.

Mcbride, A. L.↗

Optimal optoacoustic detector design

Optoacoustic detectors are used to measure pressure changes occurring in enclosed gases, liquids, or solids being excited by intensity or frequency modulated electromagnetic radiation. Radiation absorption spectra, collisional relaxation rates, substance compositions, and reactions can be determined from the time behavior of these pressure changes. Very successful measurements of gaseous air pollutants have, for instance, been performed by using detectors of this type together with different lasers. The measuring instrument consisting of radiation source, modulator, optoacoustic detector, etc. is often called spectrophone. In the present paper, a thorough optoacoustic detector optimization analysis based upon a review of its theory of operation is introduced. New quantitative rules and suggestions explaining how to design detectors with maximal pressure responsivity and over-all sensitivity and minimal background signal are presented.

Rosengren, L.-G.↗

Wideband 1.064 micrometer detector evaluation

The performance of several candidate detectors for use as communications detectors in a 400 Mbps 1.064 micrometers laser communication system was evaluated. The results of communication system Bit Error Rate (BER) testing for the best detector of each type are summarized. Complete testing data of each type detector is presented. The 400 Mbps 1.064 micrometers communication system receiver test bed is described. The best communication system results for each detector type are included. Performance comparisons are made at 0.000001 BER, the specification level chosen for satellite laser communication links. The data is presented in two groups. The first indicates the best performance levels that can be expected on normal space laser communication system operation. The second cites the best performance levels which can be achieved by focusing the signal to diffraction limited spots on the photosensitive area.

Green, S. I.↗

Development of lightning current detector

A lightning current detector to record the maximum current amplitude of a lightning strike to the 150 meter weather tower at KSC was developed. The principle of operation of the detector is discussed, materials chosen to build the detector are described, and calibration tests performed on the detector are given. Field results of the detectors from two separate lightning strikes to the tower are included.

Livermore, S.↗

Evaluation of commercial pyroelectric detectors

A series of commercially available pyroelectric detectors made from PVF2, LTO, SBN, and TGS were evaluated in terms of responsivity and detectivity as a function of frequency. The performance of the detectors evaluated was very different, depending upon the manufacturer of the detector, and this dependency was primarily related to the thickness of the various detectors. The best detectors of each material were comparable in performance at frequencies around 10 Hz but differed radically at frequencies above 100 Hz.

Robertson, J. B.↗

Experiment definition and integration study for the accommodation of giant, passive detector of Exotic Particles In the Cosmic Rays (EPIC) payload on shuttle/spacelab missions

The feasibility of the design, construction, launch and retrieval of a hinged 15 ft by 110 ft the platform containing an array of interleaved CR-39 and Lexan track-recording detectors to be placed into circular orbit by space shuttle is assessed. The total weight of the detector assembly plus supporting structure and accessories is 32,000 pounds. The modular construction permits as little as one fourth of the payload to be exposed at one time. The CR-39 detector has sensitivity adequate to detect and study cosmic rays ranging from minimum ionizing iron-group nuclei to the heaviest elements. The detectors will survive a one year exposure to trapped protons without losing their high resolution. Advantages include low cost, huge collecting power (approximately 150 sq m) as well as the high resolution previously attainable only with electronic detectors.

Price, P. B.↗

Evaluation of a hydrogen chloride detector for environmental monitoring

The paper describes a hydrogen chloride detector designed to monitor concentrations of hydrogen chloride gas in the ambient environment. The detector was developed for NASA for use in launch vehicle effluent monitoring. The detector operates on chemiluminescence principles with a lower detection limit of less than 5 x 10 to the -3rd ppm (by volume). The hydrogen chloride in the air sample reacts with a bromide-bromate coating in the inlet tube of the instrument producing bromine. Bromine is then quantitated by chemiluminescent oxidation of luminol. The visible light generated in the chemiluminescent reaction is proportional to the hydrogen chloride concentration of the sampled airstream. The detector is most suited to laboratory or field studies where hydrogen chloride is the dominant pollutant, as compared to the interfering species. Interferences include strong acids, acid-forming gases, and halogen gases. Of the interferences investigated the most serious in these groups are hydrochloric and sulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide, and chlorine, respectively. The detector has been in use since 1974 and has been found to be highly portable, rugged, and stable under extreme environmental conditions.

Gregory, G. L.↗

High-energy proton radiation damage of high-purity germanium detectors

Quantitative studies of radiation damage in high-purity germanium gamma-ray detectors due to high-energy charged particles have been carried out; two 1.0 cm thick planar detectors were irradiated by 6 GeV/c protons. Under proton bombardment, degradation in the energy resolution was found to begin below 7 x 10 to the 7th protons/sq cm and increased proportionately in both detectors until the experiment was terminated at a total flux of 5.7 x 10 to the 8th protons/sq cm, equivalent to about a six year exposure to cosmic-ray protons in space. At the end of the irradiation, the FWHM resolution measured at 1332 keV stood at 8.5 and 13.6 keV, with both detectors of only marginal utility as a spectrometer due to the severe tailing caused by charge trapping. Annealing these detectors after proton damage was found to be much easier than after neutron damage.

Pehl, R. H.↗

Effect of gaseous additives on the response of the helium ionization detector

Changes in the response of the helium ionization detector which occur when varying amounts of gases are added to the helium carrier gas at different applied voltages have been investigated. The addition of hydrogen, argon, oxygen, or nitrogen to the helium carrier gas causes an increase in the detector response when the voltage applied to the detector is more than 350 V, and a decrease in the detector response when the applied voltage is less than 350 V. It was also found that the detector responds positively and linearly to neon when high concentrations of gaseous additives were added to the helium.

Andrawes, F. F.↗

Development of improved lithium tantalate pyroelectric detectors

A program was undertaken to increase the detectivity of LiTaO3 pyroelectric detectors to meet a performance requirement of D star (500 K, 15 Hz)=4x10 to the 9th power cm Hz1/2W-1. Emphasis was placed on reduction of the thermal conductance of the detector element to its surroundings, thinning the detector wafer to a thickness less than 3 micrometers, and increasing the absorptivity of the standard metallic film coatings. During the program, thermal conductance was reduced 41 percent through the use of reticulated (slotted) structures. Self-supported detector wafers less than 2 micrometers thick were fabricated. Multiple layer coatings, including an AR coating, with 16 percent more absorptance, were designed and fabricated. Later refinements in the multilayer design program have absorptivities of 75-80 percent, but detectors with these coatings had to be more than 2 micrometers thick because of a mismatch in the thermal expansion coefficients with LiTaO3.

Byer, N. E.↗