H2RG Detector Characterization for RIMAS and Instrument Efficiencies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toy, Vicki L.; Kutyrev, Alexander S.; Capone, John I.; Hams, Thomas; Robinson, F. David; Lotkin, Gennadiy N.; Veilleux, Sylvain; Moseley, Samuel H.; Gehrels, Neil A.; Vogel, Stuart N.

2016-01-01

The Rapid infrared IMAger-Spectrometer (RIMAS) is a near-infrared (NIR) imager and spectrometer that will quickly follow up gamma-ray burst afterglows on the 4.3-meter Discovery Channel Telescope (DCT). RIMAS has two optical arms which allows simultaneous coverage over two bandpasses (YJ and HK) in either imaging or spectroscopy mode. RIMAS utilizes two Teledyne HgCdTe H2RG detectors controlled by Astronomical Research Cameras, Inc. (ARC/Leach) drivers. We report the laboratory characterization of RIMAS's detectors: conversion gain, read noise, linearity, saturation, dynamic range, and dark current. We also present RIMAS's instrument efficiency from atmospheric transmission models and optics data (both telescope and instrument) in all three observing modes.

Methods of and apparatus for radiation measurement, and specifically for in vivo radiation measurement

DOEpatents

Huffman, D.D.; Hughes, R.C.; Kelsey, C.A.; Lane, R.; Ricco, A.J.; Snelling, J.B.; Zipperian, T.E.

1986-08-29

Methods of and apparatus for in vivo radiation measurements rely on a MOSFET dosimeter of high radiation sensitivity which operates in both the passive mode to provide an integrated dose detector and active mode to provide an irradiation rate detector. A compensating circuit with a matched unirradiated MOSFET is provided to operate at a current designed to eliminate temperature dependence of the device. Preferably, the MOSFET is rigidly mounted in the end of a miniature catheter and the catheter is implanted in the patient proximate the radiation source.

Cadmium telluride photovoltaic radiation detector

DOEpatents

Agouridis, D.C.; Fox, R.J.

A dosimetry-type radiation detector is provided which employs a polycrystalline, chlorine-compensated cadmium telluride wafer fabricated to operate as a photovoltaic current generator used as the basic detecting element. A photovoltaic junction is formed in the wafer by painting one face of the cadmium telluride wafer with an n-type semi-conductive material. The opposite face of the wafer is painted with an electrically conductive material to serve as a current collector. The detector is mounted in a hermetically sealed vacuum containment. The detector is operated in a photovoltaic mode (zero bias) while DC coupled to a symmetrical differential current amplifier having a very low input impedance. The amplifier converts the current signal generated by radiation impinging upon the barrier surface face of the wafer to a voltage which is supplied to a voltmeter calibrated to read quantitatively the level of radiation incident upon the detecting wafer.

Cadmium telluride photovoltaic radiation detector

DOEpatents

Agouridis, Dimitrios C.; Fox, Richard J.

1981-01-01

A dosimetry-type radiation detector is provided which employs a polycrystalline, chlorine-compensated cadmium telluride wafer fabricated to operate as a photovoltaic current generator used as the basic detecting element. A photovoltaic junction is formed in the wafer by painting one face of the cadmium telluride wafer with an n-type semiconductive material. The opposite face of the wafer is painted with an electrically conductive material to serve as a current collector. The detector is mounted in a hermetically sealed vacuum containment. The detector is operated in a photovoltaic mode (zero bias) while DC coupled to a symmetrical differential current amplifier having a very low input impedance. The amplifier converts the current signal generated by radiation impinging upon the barrier surface face of the wafer to a voltage which is supplied to a voltmeter calibrated to read quantitatively the level of radiation incident upon the detecting wafer.

A Current-Mode Common-Mode Feedback Circuit (CMFB) with Rail-to-Rail Operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suadet, Apirak; Kasemsuwan, Varakorn

2011-03-01

This paper presents a current-mode common-mode feedback (CMFB) circuit with rail-to-rail operation. The CMFB is a stand-alone circuit, which can be connected to any low voltage transconductor without changing or upsetting the existing circuit. The proposed CMFB employs current mirrors, operating as common-mode detector and current amplifier to enhance the loop gain of the CMFB. The circuit employs positive feedback to enhance the output impedance and gain. The circuit has been designed using a 0.18 μm CMOS technology under 1V supply and analyzed using HSPICE with BSIM3V3 device models. A pseudo-differential amplifier using two common sources and the proposed CMFB shows rail to rail output swing (± 0.7 V) with low common-mode gain (-36 dB) and power dissipation of 390 μW.

The development and test of ultra-large-format multi-anode microchannel array detector systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Timothy, J. G.

1984-01-01

The specific tasks that were accomplished with each of the key elements of the multi-anode microchannel array detector system are described. The modes of operation of position-sensitive electronic readout systems for use with high-gain microchannel plates are described and their performance characteristics compared and contrasted. Multi-anode microchannel array detector systems with formats as large as 256 x 1024 pixels are currently under evaluation. Preliminary performance data for sealed ultraviolet and visible-light detector tubes show that the detector systems have unique characteristics which make them complementary to photoconductive array detectors, such as CCDs, and superior to alternative pulse-counting detector systems employing high-gain MCPs.

Feasibility of creating a specialized reactimeter based on the inverse solution to kinetics equation with a current-mode neutron detector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Koshelev, A. S., E-mail: alexsander.coshelev@yandex.ru; Arapov, A. V.; Ovchinnikov, M. A.

2016-12-15

The file-evaluation results of a reactimeter based on the inverse solution to the kinetics equation (ISKE) are presented, which were obtained using an operating hardware-measuring complex with a KNK-4 neutron detector working in the current mode. The processing of power-recording files of the BR-1M, BR-K1, and VIR-2M reactors of the Russian Federal Nuclear Center—All-Russian Research Institute of Experimental Physics, which was performed with the use of Excel simulation of the ISKE formalism, demonstrated the feasibility of implementation of the reactivity monitoring (during the operation of these reactors at stationary power) beginning from the level of ~5 × 10{sup –4}β{sub eff}.

Phase detector for three-phase power factor controller

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nola, F. J. (Inventor)

1984-01-01

A phase detector for the three phase power factor controller (PFC) is described. The phase detector for each phase includes an operational amplifier which senses the current phase angle for that phase by sensing the voltage across the phase thyristor. Common mode rejection is achieved by providing positive feedback between the input and output of the voltage sensing operational amplifier. this feedback preferably comprises a resistor connected between the output and input of the operational amplifier. The novelty of the invention resides in providing positive feedback such that switching of the operational amplifier is synchronized with switching of the voltage across the thyristor. The invention provides a solution to problems associated with high common mode voltage and enables use of lower cost components than would be required by other approaches.

Enhancing the Linear Dynamic Range in Multi-Channel Single Photon Detector beyond 7OD

PubMed Central

Gudkov, Dmytro; Gudkov, George; Gorbovitski, Boris; Gorfinkel, Vera

2015-01-01

We present design, implementation, and characterization of a single photon detector based on 32-channel PMT sensor [model H7260-20, Hamamatsu]. The developed high speed electronics enables the photon counting with linear dynamic range (LDR) up to 108count/s per detector's channel. The experimental characterization and Monte-Carlo simulations showed that in the single photon counting mode the LDR of the PMT sensor is limited by (i) “photon” pulse width (current pulse) of 900ps and (ii) substantial decrease of amplitudes of current pulses for count rates exceeding 108 count/s. The multi-channel architecture of the detector and the developed firm/software allow further expansion of the dynamic range of the device by 32-fold by using appropriate beam shaping. The developed single photon counting detector was tested for the detection of fluorescence labeled microbeads in capillary flow. PMID:27087788

New HST/COS FUV Modes G140L/800 and G160M/1533

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sankrit, Ravi; De Rosa, Gisella; Fischer, William J.; Fix, Mees B.; Fox, Andrew; Indriolo, Nick; James, Bethan; Magness, Camellia; Oliveira, Cristina M.; Penton, Steven V.; Plesha, Rachel; Rafelski, Marc; Roman-Duval, Julia; Sahnow, David J.; Snyder, Elaine M.; Taylor, Joanna M.; White, James

2018-06-01

We present two new observing modes that are being offered for the far-ultraviolet (FUV) channel on the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS), and an initial overview of the science investigations they enable. The FUV channel on COS currently operates in the 900-2150 A wavelength region. It consists of two medium resolution gratings G130M and G160M, and a low resolution grating G140L. The detector consists of two segments (FUVB, shortward and FUVA, longward wavelengths) with a gap between them. Each grating has a number of central wavelength settings (cenwaves) available. The settings place different portions of the spectrum on the detector segments, and the focus at each cenwave is set to optimize spectral resolution in the middle of its wavelength range.The first new mode is G140L/800, which places 800-1950 A on FUVA. The grating rotation and focus for this mode are set to minimize the height of the spectrum on the detector, and thereby the background, in the region below 1100 A. This results in an increased sensitivity at these wavelengths compared to the 1280 cenwave. The second mode, G160M/1533, extends the short-wavelength coverage of the grating by 44 A to overlap with the longest wavelengths covered by the G130M/1222 setting. This allows a broad wavelength range to be covered using just two medium resolution settings without placing the key gain-sag contributor, Ly-alpha, on the detector.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rau, E. I.; Orlikovskiy, N. A.; Ivanova, E. S.

A new highly efficient design for semiconductor detectors of intermediate-energy electrons (1-50 keV) for application in scanning electron microscopes is proposed. Calculations of the response function of advanced detectors and control experiments show that the efficiency of the developed devices increases on average twofold, which is a significant positive factor in the operation of modern electron microscopes in the mode of low currents and at low primary electron energies.

Parametric instability in the high power era of Advanced LIGO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardwick, Terra; Blair, Carl; Kennedy, Ross; Evans, Matthew; Fritschel, Peter; LIGO Virgo Scientific Collaboration

2017-01-01

After the first direct detections of gravitational waves, Advanced LIGO aims to increase its detection rate during the upcoming science runs through a series of detector improvements, including increased optical power. Higher circulating power increases the likelihood for three-mode parametric instabilities (PIs), in which mechanical modes of the mirrors scatter light into higher-order optical modes in the cavity and the resulting optical modes reinforce the mechanical modes via radiation pressure. Currently, LIGO uses two PI mitigation methods: thermal tuning to change the cavity g-factor and effectively decrease the frequency overlap between mechanical and optical modes, and active damping of mechanical modes with electrostatic actuation. While the combined methods provide stability at the current operating power, there is evidence that these will be insufficient for the next planned power increase; future suppression methods including acoustic mode dampers and dynamic g-factor modulation are discussed.

An economical fluorescence detector for lab-on-a-chip devices with a light emitting photodiode and a low-cost avalanche photodiode.

PubMed

Wu, Jing; Liu, Xianhu; Wang, Lili; Dong, Lijun; Pu, Qiaosheng

2012-01-21

An economical fluorescence detector was developed with an LED as the exciting source and a low-cost avalanche photodiode (APD) module as a photon sensor. The detector was arranged in an epifluorescence configuration using a microscope objective (20× or 40×) and a dichroic mirror. The low-cost APD was biased by a direct current (DC) high voltage power supply at 121 V, which is much lower than that normally used for a PMT. Both DC and square wave (SW) supplies were used to power the LED and different data treatment protocols, such as simple average for DC mode, software based lock-in amplification and time specific average for SW mode, were tested to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio. Using an LED at a DC mode with simple data averaging, a limit of detection of 0.2 nmol L(-1) for sodium fluorescein was attained, which is among the lowest ever achieved with an LED as an excitation source. The detector was successfully used in both capillary and chip electrophoresis. The most significant advantages of the detector are the compact size and low cost of its parts. The aim of the work is to prove that widely available, low-cost components for civilian use can be successfully used for miniaturized analytical devices.

Achieving a Linear Dose Rate Response in Pulse-Mode Silicon Photodiode Scintillation Detectors Over a Wide Range of Excitations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carroll, Lewis

2014-02-01

We are developing a new dose calibrator for nuclear pharmacies that can measure radioactivity in a vial or syringe without handling it directly or removing it from its transport shield “pig”. The calibrator's detector comprises twin opposing scintillating crystals coupled to Si photodiodes and current-amplifying trans-resistance amplifiers. Such a scheme is inherently linear with respect to dose rate over a wide range of radiation intensities, but accuracy at low activity levels may be impaired, beyond the effects of meager photon statistics, by baseline fluctuation and drift inevitably present in high-gain, current-mode photodiode amplifiers. The work described here is motivated by our desire to enhance accuracy at low excitations while maintaining linearity at high excitations. Thus, we are also evaluating a novel “pulse-mode” analog signal processing scheme that employs a linear threshold discriminator to virtually eliminate baseline fluctuation and drift. We will show the results of a side-by-side comparison of current-mode versus pulse-mode signal processing schemes, including perturbing factors affecting linearity and accuracy at very low and very high excitations. Bench testing over a wide range of excitations is done using a Poisson random pulse generator plus an LED light source to simulate excitations up to ˜106 detected counts per second without the need to handle and store large amounts of radioactive material.

Single Photon Counting Detectors for Low Light Level Imaging Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolb, Kimberly

2015-10-01

This dissertation presents the current state-of-the-art of semiconductor-based photon counting detector technologies. HgCdTe linear-mode avalanche photodiodes (LM-APDs), silicon Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes (GM-APDs), and electron-multiplying CCDs (EMCCDs) are compared via their present and future performance in various astronomy applications. LM-APDs are studied in theory, based on work done at the University of Hawaii. EMCCDs are studied in theory and experimentally, with a device at NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab. The emphasis of the research is on GM-APD imaging arrays, developed at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and tested at the RIT Center for Detectors. The GM-APD research includes a theoretical analysis of SNR and various performance metrics, including dark count rate, afterpulsing, photon detection efficiency, and intrapixel sensitivity. The effects of radiation damage on the GM-APD were also characterized by introducing a cumulative dose of 50 krad(Si) via 60 MeV protons. Extensive development of Monte Carlo simulations and practical observation simulations was completed, including simulated astronomical imaging and adaptive optics wavefront sensing. Based on theoretical models and experimental testing, both the current state-of-the-art performance and projected future performance of each detector are compared for various applications. LM-APD performance is currently not competitive with other photon counting technologies, and are left out of the application-based comparisons. In the current state-of-the-art, EMCCDs in photon counting mode out-perform GM-APDs for long exposure scenarios, though GM-APDs are better for short exposure scenarios (fast readout) due to clock-induced-charge (CIC) in EMCCDs. In the long term, small improvements in GM-APD dark current will make them superior in both long and short exposure scenarios for extremely low flux. The efficiency of GM-APDs will likely always be less than EMCCDs, however, which is particularly disadvantageous for moderate to high flux rates where dark noise and CIC are insignificant noise sources. Research into decreasing the dark count rate of GM-APDs will lead to development of imaging arrays that are competitive for low light level imaging and spectroscopy applications in the near future.

Photon counting detector for the personal radiography inspection system "SIBSCAN"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babichev, E. A.; Baru, S. E.; Grigoriev, D. N.; Leonov, V. V.; Oleynikov, V. P.; Porosev, V. V.; Savinov, G. A.

2017-02-01

X-ray detectors operating in the energy integrating mode are successfully used in many different applications. Nevertheless the direct photon counting detectors, having the superior parameters in comparison with the integrating ones, are rarely used yet. One of the reasons for this is the low value of the electrical signal generated by a detected photon. Silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) based scintillation counters have a high detection efficiency, high electronic gain and compact dimensions. This makes them a very attractive candidate to replace routinely used detectors in many fields. More than 10 years ago the digital scanning radiography system based on multistrip ionization chamber (MIC) was suggested at Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics. The detector demonstrates excellent radiation resistance and parameter stability after 5 year operations and an imaging of up to 1000 persons per day. Currently, the installations operate at several Russian airports and at subway stations in some cities. At the present time we design a new detector operating in the photon counting mode, having superior parameters than the gas one, based on scintillator - SiPM assemblies. This detector has close to zero noise, higher quantum efficiency and a count rate capability of more than 5 MHz per channel (20% losses), which leads to better image quality and improved detection capability. The suggested detector technology could be expanded to medical applications.

Experimental research of neutron yield and spectrum from deuterium gas-puff z-pinch on the GIT-12 generator at current above 2 MA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherdizov, R. K.; Fursov, F. I.; Kokshenev, V. A.; Kurmaev, N. E.; Labetsky, A. Yu; Ratakhin, N. A.; Shishlov, A. V.; Cikhardt, J.; Cikhardtova, B.; Klir, D.; Kravarik, J.; Kubes, P.; Rezac, K.; Dudkin, G. N.; Garapatsky, A. A.; Padalko, V. N.; Varlachev, V. A.

2017-05-01

The Z-pinch experiments with deuterium gas-puff surrounded by an outer plasma shell were carried out on the GIT-12 generator (Tomsk, Russia) at currents of 2 MA. The plasma shell consisting of hydrogen and carbon ions was formed by 48 plasma guns. The deuterium gas-puff was created by a fast electromagnetic valve. This configuration provides an efficient mode of the neutron production in DD reaction, and the neutron yield reaches a value above 1012 neutrons per shot. Neutron diagnostics included scintillation TOF detectors for determination of the neutron energy spectrum, bubble detectors BD-PND, a silver activation detector, and several activation samples for determination of the neutron yield analysed by a Sodium Iodide (NaI) and a high-purity Germanium (HPGe) detectors. Using this neutron diagnostic complex, we measured the total neutron yield and amount of high-energy neutrons.

Radiation hard blocked tunneling band {GaAs}/{AlGaAs} superlattice long wavelength infrared detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, C. S.; Wen, C. P.; Reiner, P.; Tu, C. W.; Hou, H. Q.

1996-09-01

We have developed a novel multiple quantum well (MQW) long wavelength infrared (LWIR) detector which can operate in a photovoltaic detection mode with an intrinsic event discrimination (IED) capability. The detector was constructed using the {GaAs}/{AlGaAs} MQW technology to form a blocked tunneling band superlattice structure with a 10.2 micron wavelength and 2.2 micron bandwidth. The detector exhibited Schottky junction and photovoltaic detection characteristics with extremely low dark current and low noise as a result of a built-in tunneling current blocking layer structure. In order to enhance quantum efficiency, a built-in electric field was created by grading the doping concentration of each quantum well in the MQW region. The peak responsivity of the detector was 0.4 amps/W with a measured detectivity of 6.0 × 10 11 Jones. The external quantum efficiency was measured to be 4.4%. The detector demonstrated an excellent intrinsic event discrimination capability due to the presence of a p-type GaAs hole collector layer, which was grown on top of the n-type electron emitter region of the MQW detector. The best results show that an infrared signal which is as much as 100 times smaller than coincident nuclear radiation induced current can be distinguished and extracted from the noise signal. With this hole collector structure, our detector also demonstrated two-color detection.

Electrical Versus Optical: Comparing Methods for Detecting Terahertz Radiation Using Neon Lamps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slocombe, L. L.; Lewis, R. A.

2018-05-01

Terahertz radiation impinging on a lit neon tube causes additional ionization of the encapsulated gas. As a result, the electrical current flowing between the electrodes increases and the glow discharge in the tube brightens. These dual phenomena suggest two distinct modes of terahertz sensing. The electrical mode simply involves measuring the electrical current. The optical mode involves monitoring the brightness of the weakly ionized plasma glow discharge. Here, we directly compare the two detection modes under identical experimental conditions. We measure 0.1-THz radiation modulated at frequencies in the range 0.1-10 kHz, for lamp currents in the range 1-10 mA. We find that electrical detection provides a superior signal-to-noise ratio while optical detection has a faster response. Either method serves as the basis of a compact, robust, and inexpensive room-temperature detector of terahertz radiation.

Dose profiles for lung and breast regions at prospective and retrospective CT coronary angiography using optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters on a 64-detector CT scanner.

PubMed

Funama, Yoshinori; Taguchi, Katsuyuki; Utsunomiya, Daisuke; Oda, Seitaro; Murasaki, Hiroo; Yamashita, Yasuyuki; Awai, Kazuo

2012-01-01

The purpose of our study was to acquire dose profiles at critical organs of lung and breast regions using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters; assess the actual radiation dose delivered at retrospective and prospective computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA). Using a chest CT phantom we applied a prospectively-gated step-and-shoot- and a retrospectively-gated helical mode on a 64-detector row CT scanner. Retrospective scan mode was used with and without electrocardiogram (ECG) based tube current modulation. OSL dosimeters were used to measure dose profiles. In the both scan modes we acquired dose profiles and determined the mean and maximum dose in left lung and in left breast regions. In prospective mode, the mean dose was 21.53 mGy in left lung- and 23.59 mGy in left breast region. With respect to the retrospective mode, the mean dose with tube current modulation was 38.63 mGy for left lung- and 46.02 mGy for left breast region, i.e. 0.56 and 0.55 times lower than the mean dose without modulation. The OSL dosimeter is useful for measurement of the actual radiation dose along z-axis at lung and breast regions in the prospective and the retrospective CTCA. Copyright © 2011 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prospects of In/CdTe X- and γ-ray detectors with MoO Ohmic contacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maslyanchuk, Olena L.; Solovan, Mykhailo M.; Maistruk, Eduard V.; Brus, Viktor V.; Maryanchuk, Pavlo D.; Gnatyuk, Volodymyr A.; Aoki, Toru

2018-01-01

The present paper analyzes the charge transport mechanisms and spectrometric properties of In/CdTe/MoOx heterojunctions prepared by magnetron sputtering of indium and molybdenum oxide thin films onto semi-insulating p-type single-crystal CdTe semiconductor, produced by Acrorad Co. Ltd. Current-voltage characteristics of the detectors at different temperatures were investigated. The charge transport mechanisms in the heterostructures under investigation were determined: the generation-recombination in the space charge region (SCR) at relatively low voltages and the space charge limited currents at high voltages. The spectra of 137Cs and 241Am isotopes taken at different applied bias voltages are presented. It is shown that the In/CdTe/MoOx structures can be used as X/γ-ray detectors in the spectrometric mode.

Investigation of low leakage current radiation detectors on n-type 4H-SiC epitaxial layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Khai V.; Chaudhuri, Sandeep K.; Mandal, Krishna C.

2014-09-01

The surface leakage current of high-resolution 4H-SiC epitaxial layer Schottky barrier detectors has been improved significantly after surface passivations of 4H-SiC epitaxial layers. Thin (nanometer range) layers of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and silicon nitride (Si3N4) were deposited on 4H-SiC epitaxial layers using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) on 20 μm thick n-type 4H-SiC epitaxial layers followed by the fabrication of large area (~12 mm2) Schottky barrier radiation detectors. The fabricated detectors have been characterized through current-voltage (I-V), capacitance-voltage (C-V), and alpha pulse height spectroscopy measurements; the results were compared with that of detectors fabricated without surface passivations. Improved energy resolution of ~ 0.4% for 5486 keV alpha particles was observed after passivation, and it was found that the performance of these detectors were limited by the presence of macroscopic and microscopic crystal defects affecting the charge transport properties adversely. Capacitance mode deep level transient studies (DLTS) revealed the presence of a titanium impurity related shallow level defects (Ec-0.19 eV), and two deep level defects identified as Z1/2 and Ci1 located at Ec-0.62 and ~ Ec-1.40 eV respectively.

Bunch mode specific rate corrections for PILATUS3 detectors

DOE PAGES

Trueb, P.; Dejoie, C.; Kobas, M.; ...

2015-04-09

PILATUS X-ray detectors are in operation at many synchrotron beamlines around the world. This article reports on the characterization of the new PILATUS3 detector generation at high count rates. As for all counting detectors, the measured intensities have to be corrected for the dead-time of the counting mechanism at high photon fluxes. The large number of different bunch modes at these synchrotrons as well as the wide range of detector settings presents a challenge for providing accurate corrections. To avoid the intricate measurement of the count rate behaviour for every bunch mode, a Monte Carlo simulation of the counting mechanismmore » has been implemented, which is able to predict the corrections for arbitrary bunch modes and a wide range of detector settings. This article compares the simulated results with experimental data acquired at different synchrotrons. It is found that the usage of bunch mode specific corrections based on this simulation improves the accuracy of the measured intensities by up to 40% for high photon rates and highly structured bunch modes. For less structured bunch modes, the instant retrigger technology of PILATUS3 detectors substantially reduces the dependency of the rate correction on the bunch mode. The acquired data also demonstrate that the instant retrigger technology allows for data acquisition up to 15 million photons per second per pixel.« less

Understanding Beam Alignment in a Coherent Lidar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Prasad, Narasimha S.; Roychoudhari, Chandrasekhar

2015-01-01

Optical beam alignment in a coherent lidar (or ladar) receiver system plays a critical role in optimizing its performance. Optical alignment in a coherent lidar system dictates the wavefront curvature (phase front) and Poynting vector) matching of the local oscillator beam with the incoming receiver beam on a detector. However, this alignment is often not easy to achieve and is rarely perfect. Furthermore, optical fibers are being increasingly used in coherent lidar system receivers for transporting radiation to achieve architectural elegance. Single mode fibers also require stringent mode matching for efficient light coupling. The detector response characteristics vary with the misalignment of the two pointing vectors. Misalignment can lead to increase in DC current. Also, a lens in front of the detector may exasperate phase front and Poynting vector mismatch. Non-Interaction of Waves, or the NIW property indicates the light beams do not interfere by themselves in the absence of detecting dipoles. In this paper, we will analyze the extent of misalignment on the detector specifications using pointing vectors of mixing beams in light of the NIW property.

Microscope mode secondary ion mass spectrometry imaging with a Timepix detector.

PubMed

Kiss, Andras; Jungmann, Julia H; Smith, Donald F; Heeren, Ron M A

2013-01-01

In-vacuum active pixel detectors enable high sensitivity, highly parallel time- and space-resolved detection of ions from complex surfaces. For the first time, a Timepix detector assembly was combined with a secondary ion mass spectrometer for microscope mode secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) imaging. Time resolved images from various benchmark samples demonstrate the imaging capabilities of the detector system. The main advantages of the active pixel detector are the higher signal-to-noise ratio and parallel acquisition of arrival time and position. Microscope mode SIMS imaging of biomolecules is demonstrated from tissue sections with the Timepix detector.

Performance of 20:1 multiplexer for large area charge readouts in directional dark matter TPC detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ezeribe, A. C.; Robinson, M.; Robinson, N.; Scarff, A.; Spooner, N. J. C.; Yuriev, L.

2018-02-01

More target mass is required in current TPC based directional dark matter detectors for improved detector sensitivity. This can be achieved by scaling up the detector volumes, but this results in the need for more analogue signal channels. A possible solution to reducing the overall cost of the charge readout electronics is to multiplex the signal readout channels. Here, we present a multiplexer system in expanded mode based on LMH6574 chips produced by Texas Instruments, originally designed for video processing. The setup has a capability of reducing the number of readouts in such TPC detectors by a factor of 20. Results indicate that the important charge distribution asymmetry along an ionization track is retained after multiplexed signals are demultiplexed.

Characterization of Geiger mode avalanche photodiodes for fluorescence decay measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jackson, John C.; Phelan, Don; Morrison, Alan P.; Redfern, R. Michael; Mathewson, Alan

2002-05-01

Geiger mode avalanche photodiodes (APD) can be biased above the breakdown voltage to allow detection of single photons. Because of the increase in quantum efficiency, magnetic field immunity, robustness, longer operating lifetime and reduction in costs, solid-state detectors capable of operating at non-cryogenic temperatures and providing single photon detection capabilities provide attractive alternatives to the photomultiplier tube (PMT). Shallow junction Geiger mode APD detectors provide the ability to manufacture photon detectors and detector arrays with CMOS compatible processing steps and allows the use of novel Silicon-on-Insulator(SoI) technology to provide future integrated sensing solutions. Previous work on Geiger mode APD detectors has focused on increasing the active area of the detector to make it more PMT like, easing the integration of discrete reaction, detection and signal processing into laboratory experimental systems. This discrete model for single photon detection works well for laboratory sized test and measurement equipment, however the move towards microfluidics and systems on a chip requires integrated sensing solutions. As we move towards providing integrated functionality of increasingly nanoscopic sized emissions, small area detectors and detector arrays that can be easily integrated into marketable systems, with sensitive small area single photon counting detectors will be needed. This paper will demonstrate the 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional simulation of optical coupling that occurs in Geiger mode APDs. Fabricated Geiger mode APD detectors optimized for fluorescence decay measurements were characterized and preliminary results show excellent results for their integration into fluorescence decay measurement systems.

Pixelated transmission-mode diamond X-ray detector.

PubMed

Zhou, Tianyi; Ding, Wenxiang; Gaowei, Mengjia; De Geronimo, Gianluigi; Bohon, Jen; Smedley, John; Muller, Erik

2015-11-01

Fabrication and testing of a prototype transmission-mode pixelated diamond X-ray detector (pitch size 60-100 µm), designed to simultaneously measure the flux, position and morphology of an X-ray beam in real time, are described. The pixel density is achieved by lithographically patterning vertical stripes on the front and horizontal stripes on the back of an electronic-grade chemical vapor deposition single-crystal diamond. The bias is rotated through the back horizontal stripes and the current is read out on the front vertical stripes at a rate of ∼ 1 kHz, which leads to an image sampling rate of ∼ 30 Hz. This novel signal readout scheme was tested at beamline X28C at the National Synchrotron Light Source (white beam, 5-15 keV) and at beamline G3 at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (monochromatic beam, 11.3 keV) with incident beam flux ranges from 1.8 × 10(-2) to 90 W mm(-2). Test results show that the novel detector provides precise beam position (positional noise within 1%) and morphology information (error within 2%), with an additional software-controlled single channel mode providing accurate flux measurement (fluctuation within 1%).

Prospects for future experiments to search for nucleon decay

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ayres, D.S.; Heller, K.; LoSecco, J.

1982-01-01

We review the status of theoretical expectations and experimental searches for nucleon decay, and predict the sensitivities which could be reached by future experiments. For the immediate future, we concur with the conclusions of the 1982 Summer Workshop on Proton Decay Experiments: all detectors now in operation or construction will be relatively insensitive to some potentially important decay modes. Next-generation experiments must therefore be designed to search for these modes, and should be undertaken whether or not present experiments detect nucleon decay in other modes. These future experiments should be designed to push the lifetime limits on all decay modesmore » to the levels at which irreducible cosmic-ray neutrino-induced backgrounds become important. Since the technology for these next-generation experiments is available now, the timetable for starting work on them will be determined by funding constraints and not by the need for extensive development of detectors. Efforts to develop advanced detector techniques should also be pursued, in order to mount more sensitive searches than can be envisioned using current technology, or to provide the most precise measurements possible of the properties of the nucleon decay interaction if it should occur at a detectable rate.« less

PAMELA Space Mission: The Transition Radiation Detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ambriola, M.; Bellotti, R.; Cafagna, F.; Circella, M.; De Marzo, C.; Giglietto, N.; Marangelli, B.; Mirizzi, N.; Romita, M.; Spinelli, P.

2003-07-01

PAMELA telescope is a satellite-b orne magnetic spectrometer built to fulfill the primary scientific objectives of detecting antiparticles (antiprotons and positrons) in the cosmic rays, and to measure spectra of particles in cosmic rays. The PAMELA telescope is currently under integration and is composed of: a silicon tracker housed in a permanent magnet, a time of flight and an anticoincidence system both made of plastic scintillators, a silicon imaging calorimeter, a neutron detector and a Transition Radiation Detector (TRD). The TRD detector is composed of 9 sensitive layers of straw tubes working in proportional mode for a total of 1024 channels. Each layer is interleaved with a radiator plane made of carbon fibers. The TRD detector characteristics will be described along with its performance studied exposing the detector to particle beams of electrons, pions, muons and protons of different momenta at both CERN-PS and CERN-SPS facilities.

MCP detector development for UV space missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conti, Lauro; Barnstedt, Jürgen; Hanke, Lars; Kalkuhl, Christoph; Kappelmann, Norbert; Rauch, Thomas; Stelzer, Beate; Werner, Klaus; Elsener, Hans-Rudolf; Schaadt, Daniel M.

2018-04-01

We are developing imaging and photon counting UV-MCP detectors, which are sensitive in the wavelength range from far ultraviolet to near ultraviolet. A good quantum efficiency, solar blindness and high spatial resolution is the aim of our development. The sealed detector has a Cs-activated photoactive layer of GaN (or similarly advanced photocathode), which is operated in semitransparent mode on (001)-MgF2. The detector comprises a stack of two long-life MCPs and a coplanar cross strip anode with advanced readout electronics. The main challenge is the flawless growth of the GaN photocathode layer as well as the requirements for the sealing of the detector, to prevent a degradation of the photocathode. We present here the detector concept and the experimental setup, examine in detail the status in the production and describe the current status of the readout electronics development.

SiC-based Photo-detectors for UV, VUV, EUV and Soft X-ray Detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yan, Feng

2006-01-01

A viewgraph presentation describing an ideal Silicon Carbide detector for ultraviolet, vacuum ultraviolet, extreme ultraviolet and soft x-ray detection is shown. The topics include: 1) An ideal photo-detector; 2) Dark current density of SiC photodiodes at room temperature; 3) Dark current in SiC detectors; 4) Resistive and capacitive feedback trans-impedance amplifier; 5) Avalanche gain; 6) Excess noise; 7) SNR in single photon counting mode; 8) Structure of SiC single photon counting APD and testing structure; 9) Single photon counting waveform and testing circuit; 10) Amplitude of SiC single photon counter; 11) Dark count of SiC APD photon counters; 12) Temperature-dependence of dark count rate; 13) Reduce the dark count rate by reducing the breakdown electric field; 14) Spectrum range for SiC detectors; 15) QE curves of Pt/4H-SiC photodiodes; 16) QE curve of SiC; 17) QE curves of SiC photodiode vs. penetration depth; 18) Visible rejection of SiC photodiodes; 19) Advantages of SiC photodiodes; 20) Competitors of SiC detectors; 21) Extraterrestrial solar spectra; 22) Visible-blind EUV detection; 23) Terrestrial solar spectra; and 24) Less than 1KeV soft x-ray detection.

Sub-THz Imaging Using Non-Resonant HEMT Detectors.

PubMed

Delgado-Notario, Juan A; Velazquez-Perez, Jesus E; Meziani, Yahya M; Fobelets, Kristel

2018-02-10

Plasma waves in gated 2-D systems can be used to efficiently detect THz electromagnetic radiation. Solid-state plasma wave-based sensors can be used as detectors in THz imaging systems. An experimental study of the sub-THz response of II-gate strained-Si Schottky-gated MODFETs (Modulation-doped Field-Effect Transistor) was performed. The response of the strained-Si MODFET has been characterized at two frequencies: 150 and 300 GHz: The DC drain-to-source voltage transducing the THz radiation (photovoltaic mode) of 250-nm gate length transistors exhibited a non-resonant response that agrees with theoretical models and physics-based simulations of the electrical response of the transistor. When imposing a weak source-to-drain current of 5 μA, a substantial increase of the photoresponse was found. This increase is translated into an enhancement of the responsivity by one order of magnitude as compared to the photovoltaic mode, while the NEP (Noise Equivalent Power) is reduced in the subthreshold region. Strained-Si MODFETs demonstrated an excellent performance as detectors in THz imaging.

Fabrication of Compact Superconducting Lowpass Filters for Ultrasensitive Detectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Ari; Chervenak, James; Chuss, David; Mikula, Vilem; Ray, Christopher; Rostem, Karwan; U-Yen, Kongpop; Wassell, Edward; Wollack, Edward

2012-01-01

It is extremely important for current and future far-infrared and sub-millimeter ultrasensitive detectors, which include transition edge sensors (TES) and microwave kinetic inductance detectors, to be adequately filtered from stray electromagnetic radiation in order to achieve their optimal performance. One means of filtering stray radiation is to block leakage associated with electrical connections in the detector environment. Here we discuss a fabrication methodology for realizing non-dissipative planar filters imbedded in the wall of the detector enclosure to limit wave propagation modes up to far-infrared frequencies. Our methodology consists of fabricating a boxed stripline transmission line, in which a superconducting (Nb, Mo, or Al) transmission line is encased in a silicon dioxide dielectric insulator coated with a metallic shell. We report on achieved attenuation and return loss and find that it replicates the simulated data to a high degree.

TIME-TAG mode of STIS observations using the MAMA detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahu, Kailash; Danks, Anthony; Baum, Stefi; Balzano, Vicki; Kraemer, Steve; Kutina, Ray; Sears, William

1995-04-01

We summarize the time-tag mode of STIS observations using the MAMA detectors, both in imaging and spectroscopic modes. After a brief outline on the MAMA detector characteristics and the astronomical applications of the time-tag mode, the general philosophy and the details of the data management strategy are described in detail. The GO specifications, and the consequent different modes of data transfer strategy are outlined. Restrictions on maximum data rates, integration times, and BUFFER-TIME requirements are explained. A few cases where the subarray option would be useful are outlined.

Detector with internal gain for short-wave infrared ranging applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fathipour, Vala; Mohseni, Hooman

2017-09-01