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Two gamma ray experiments designed to measure and map the cosmic gamma ray spectrum in the 0.1 to 10 MeV region are outlined. The sensitivity and capability of the instruments- a high resolution gamma ray spectrometer that uses solid state detectors and a combined UCSD-MIT scintillation system are also given. These experiment were designed for the HEAO program.
The M AJORANA D EMONSTRATOR comprises two arrays of high-purity germanium detectors constructed to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay in 76 Ge and other physics beyond the Standard Model. Its readout electronics were designed to have low electronic noise, and radioactive backgrounds were minimized by using low-mass components and low-radioactivity materials near the detectors. This paper provides a description of all components of the M AJORANA D EMONSTRATOR readout electronics, spanning the front-end electronics and internal cabling, back-end electronics, digitizer, and power supplies, along with the grounding scheme. The spectroscopic performance achieved with these readout electronics is also demonstrated.
Existing COTS inorganic scintillators all have the characteristic of being very good at certain desirable properties, but not sufficient at other desirable properties for HEP. The demand for suitable scintillators (with regards to both scintillation detector properties and suitable pricing), to be used for modern intensities frontier (Mu2e-II), energy frontier (High luminosity large hadron collider) and future e+e- collider projects (aimed as Higgs bosons factory, such as the International Linear Collider (ILC) and the Future Circular Collider (FCC) are putting even higher challenges on crystal scintillators.In this work, we report the development of a novel high-performance scintillators that can address the issues associated with existing scintillators, the activator doped Hg2Br2. Initial results are very encouraging on the detection of gamma and alpha particles using a solid-state photomultiplier (SSPM). The responses have been stable and repeatable. Hg2Br2 also has many advantages over existing COTS scintillators such as: high density, bright, fast, good energy resolution, no intrinsic radiation, radiation hard and cost-effectiveness. Here, we present here why Hg2Br2 is the next generation scintillator for high energy physics experiments as well as other scientific and imaging applications such as planetary science and medical imaging.
Abstract MAST-U is equipped with on-axis and off-axis neutral beam injectors (NBI), and these external sources of super-Alfvénic deuterium fast-ions provide opportunities for studying a wide range of phenomena relevant to the physics of alpha-particles in burning plasmas. The MeV range D-D fusion product ions are also produced but are not confined. Simulations with the ASCOT code show that up to 20% of fast ions produced by NBI can be lost due to charge exchange (CX) with edge neutrals. Dedicated experiments employing low field side (LFS) gas fuelling show a significant drop in the measured neutron fluxes resulting from beam-plasma reactions, providing additional evidence of CX-induced fast-ion losses, similar to the ASCOT findings. Clear evidence of fast-ion redistribution and loss due to sawteeth (ST), fishbones (FB), long-lived modes (LLM), Toroidal Alfvén Eigenmodes (TAE), Edge Localised Modes (ELM) and neoclassical tearing modes (NTM) has been found in measurements with a Neutron Camera (NCU), a scintillator-based Fast-Ion Loss Detector (FILD), a Solid-State Neutral Particle Analyser (SSNPA) and a Fast-Ion Deuterium- α (FIDA) spectrometer. Unprecedented FILD measurements in the range of 1–2 MHz indicate that fast-ion losses can be also induced by the beam ion cyclotron resonance interaction with compressional or global Alfvén eigenmodes (CAEs or GAEs). These results show the wide variety of scenarios and the unique conditions in which fast ions can be studied in MAST-U, under conditions that are relevant for future devices like STEP or ITER.
To address the challenges of providing high-performance calorimetry in future hadron collider experiments under conditions of high luminosity and high radiation (FCC-hh environments), we conducted R&D on advanced calorimetry techniques suitable for such operation, based on scintillation and wavelength-shifting technologies and photosensor (SiPM and SiPM-like) technology. In particular, we focused our attention on ultra-compact radiation-hard EM calorimeters based on modular structures (RADiCAL modules) consisting of alternating layers of the very dense absorber and scintillating plates, read out via radiation hard wavelength shifting (WLS) solid fiber or capillary elements to photosensors positioned either proximately or remotely, depending upon their radiation tolerance. RADiCAL modules provide the capability to measure simultaneously and with high precision the position, energy and timing of EM showers. This paper provides an overview of the instrumentation and photosensor R&D associated with the RADiCAL program.
CUPID is a next-generation bolometric experiment aiming at searching for neutrinoless double-beta decay with ~250 kg of isotopic mass of 100 Mo. It will operate at ~10 mK in a cryostat currently hosting a similar-scale bolometric array for the CUORE experiment at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (Italy). CUPID will be based on large-volume scintillating bolometers consisting of 100 Mo-enriched Li 2 MoO 4 crystals, facing thin Ge-wafer-based bolometric light detectors. In the CUPID design, the detector structure is novel and needs to be validated. In particular, the CUORE cryostat presents a high level of mechanical vibrations due to the use of pulse tubes and the effect of vibrations on the detector performance must be investigated. In this paper we report the first test of the CUPID-design bolometric light detectors with NTD-Ge sensors in a dilution refrigerator equipped with a pulse tube in an above-ground lab. Light detectors are characterized in terms of sensitivity, energy resolution, pulse time constants, and noise power spectrum. Despite the challenging noisy environment due to pulse-tube-induced vibrations, we demonstrate that all the four tested light detectors comply with the CUPID goal in terms of intrinsic energy resolution of 100 eV RMS baseline noise. Indeed, we have measured 70–90 eV RMS for the four devices, which show an excellent reproducibility. We have also obtained high energy resolutions at the 356 keV line from a 133 Ba source, as good as Ge semiconductor γ detectors in this energy range.
This paper will be a literature review of composite scintillators, and their applications in neutron detection. Due to the shortage of 3 He, the traditional medium for neutron detection, new materials need to be explored for this purpose. Composite scintillating particle materials can serve as a solution to replace 3 He, offering faster response times, and all-solid-state form factors for diversified applications in the field. This project will include manufacturing Europium (Eu) and Sodium (Na) doped LiCaAlF 6 (LiCAF) scintillating particles for neutron detection.
We characterize the neutron detection efficiency of pixelated organic glass scintillator (OGS) arrays manufactured in two ways: an additive method in which the OGS is cast in place in a pixelated mold, and a subtractive method in which the scintillator is first cast as a large block before being cut in bars and bonded together to form the array. The cast-in-place array utilizes a mixture of “bis(9,9-dimethyl-9H-fluoren-2-yl)diphenylsilane” (P2), “tri([1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)(phenyl)silane” (PB3), and “4-bis(2-methylstyryl)benzene” (MSB), and 50% by weight of polystyrene is added to the mixture for subtractive manufactured array. We compare the performance of the OGS arrays to that of an EJ-299-33M plastic scintillator array that was manufactured using a subtractive process similar to that of the second OGS array.
Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) are solid-state, single-photon sensitive, pixelated sensors whose usage for scintillation detection has rapidly increased over the past decade. It is known that the avalanche process within the device, which renders a single photon detectable, can also generate secondary photons which may be detected by a separate device. This effect, known as external crosstalk, could potentially degrade the science goals of future xenon dark matter experiments. In this article, we measure the effect of external crosstalk in a dual-phase, liquid xenon time projection chamber fully instrumented with SiPMs. We then consider the implications for a future xenon dark matter experiment utilizing SiPMs and discuss possible solutions.
This study reports the performance and light yield of 1% concentration water-based liquid scintillator (WbLS) deployed in a 1000-liter detector. A light yield of 99± 15 photons per MeV is determined by comparing data with simulation. This result aligns with our previous light yield determination using smaller detectors, thus establishing a solid foundation for the ongoing development and deployment of WbLS in larger-scale detectors. In conclusion, the feasibility of in situ preparation and the stability of light yield in WbLS are demonstrated, reinforcing its suitability for long-term experimental endeavors.
The new CdZnTe high 'Z' material represents a significant improvement in detectors for high energy photons. With the thicknesses available, photons up to 100 keV can be efficiently detected. This material has a wide band gap of 1.5 - 2.2 eV which allows it to operate at room temperature while providing high spectral resolution. Results of resolution evaluations are presented. This detector can be used for high resolution spectral measurements of photons in x-ray and gamma-ray astronomy, offering a significant reduction in the weight, power, and volume of the detector system compared to more conventional detector types such as scintillation counters. In addition, the detector will have the simplicity and reliability of solid-state construction. The CdZnTe detector, as a new development, has not yet been evaluated in space. The Get Away Special program can provide this opportunity.
The design features and operational performance from the test flight of the fourth generation of spherical geometry cosmic ray detectors developed at Bristol University (Bristol University Gas Scintillator 4 - BUGS-4) are presented. The flight from Ft. Sumner (NM) in Sept. 1993 was the premier flight of a large (1m radius) spherical drift chamber which also gave gas scintillation and Cerenkov signals. The combinations of this chamber with one gas and two solid Cerenkov radiators lead to a large aperture factor (4.5 m2sr), but low (approximately 3.5 g/sq cm) instrument mass over the energy sensitive range 1 to several hundred GeV/a. Moreover, one simple timing measurement determined the impact parameter which provided a trajectory (path length) correction for all detector elements. This innovative and efficient design will be of interest to experimental groups engaged in studies of energetic charged particles. Although there were technical problems on the flight, which were compounded by the total destruction of BUGS-4 by fire while landing in Oklahoma, there was a period of stable operation during which the instrument was exposed at float altitude (approximately 125,000 ft.) to high energy cosmic rays. We present the performance of the instrument as determined from the analysis of these data and an appraisal of its novel design features. Suggestions for design improvements in a future instrument are made.
In this paper we report the first scientific result based on antineutrinos emitted from the BR2 reactor at SCK CEN. The SoLid experiment uses a novel type of highly granular detector whose basic detection unit combines two scintillators, polyvinyl toluene (PVT) and Li 6 F : ZnS ( Ag ) , to measure antineutrinos via their inverse- β -decay products. An advantage of PVT is its highly linear response as a function of deposited particle energy. The full-scale detector comprises 12 800 voxels and operates over a very short 6.3–8.9 m baseline from the reactor core. The detector segmentation and its three-dimensional imaging capabilities facilitate the extraction of the positron energy from the rest of the visible energy, allowing the latter to be utilized for signal-background discrimination. We present a result obtained from 280 reactor-on days (55 MW mean power) and 172 reactor-off days, respectively, of live data taking. A total of 29 479 ± 603 (stat) antineutrino candidates have been selected, corresponding to an average rate of 105 events per day and a signal-to-background ratio of 0.27. A search for disappearance of antineutrinos to a sterile state has been conducted using complementary model-dependent frequentist and Bayesian fits, providing constraints on the allowed region of the reactor antineutrino anomaly.
New gamma ray and charged particle telescope designs based on scintillating fiber arrays could provide low cost, high resolution, lightweight, very large area and multi radiation length instrumentation for planned NASA space exploration. The scintillating fibers low visible light output requires readout sensors with single photon detection sensitivity and low noise. The sensitivity of silicon Avalanche Photodiodes (APDS) matches well the spectral output of the scintillating fibers. Moreover, APDs have demonstrated single photon capability. The global aim of our work is to make available to NASA a novel optical detector concept to be used as scintillating fiber readouts and meeting the requirements of the new generations of space-borne gamma ray telescopes. We proposed to evaluate the feasibility of using RMD's small area APDs ((mu)APD) as scintillating fiber readouts and to study possible alternative (mu)APD array configurations for space borne readout scintillating fiber systems, requiring several hundred thousand to one million channels. The evaluation has been conducted in accordance with the task description and technical specifications detailed in the NASA solicitation "Studies of Avalanche Photodiodes (APD as readout devices for scintillating fibers for High Energy Gamma-Ray Astronomy Telescopes" (#8-W-7-ES-13672NAIS) posted on October 23, 1997. The feasibility study we propose builds on recent developments of silicon APD arrays and light concentrators advances at RMD, Inc. and on more than 5 years of expertise in scintillating fiber detectors. In a previous program we carried out the initial research to develop a high resolution, small pixel, solid-state, silicon APD array which exhibited very high sensitivity in the UV-VIS spectrum. This (mu)APD array is operated in Geiger mode and results in high gain (greater than 10(exp 8)), extremely low noise, single photon detection capability, low quiescent power (less than 10 (mu)W/pixel for 30 micrometers sensitive area diameter) and output in the 1-5 volt range. If successful, this feasibility study will make possible the development of a scintillating fiber detector with unsurpassed sensitivity, extremely low power usage, a crucial factor of merit for space based sensors and telescopes.
Measurement of spectra of cosmic-ray electrons of energies between 10 and 200 MeV over a one-year period starting 1968 March. The measurement was made with a detector system on board the OGO-5 satellite. The instrument consists of a solid-state dE/dx detector, a total-energy CsI detector, a gas Cerenkov threshold detector, and two scintillation guard counters. Time periods during which no solar-flare events were recorded were selected for the study. It was found that during these quiet periods there were numerous intensity variations of the electron flux. These variations, which are seen only below 25 MeV, do not show marked correlation with any solar or interplanetary-medium parameters. The flux of the electrons of energies above 25 MeV, on the other hand, showed a gradual decrease over the one-year period, paralleling the neutron monitor intensity. The parameter describing this long-term modulation is almost independent of the rigidity of the electrons in the reported energy range. The physical implication of the finding is discussed.
The paper presents advances in two new sensor technologies and a miniaturized associated electronics technology which, when combined, can allow for very significant miniaturization and for the reduction of weight and power consumption in x-ray and gamma-ray spectroscopy systems: (1) Mercuric iodide (HgI2) x-ray technology, which allows for the first time the construction of truly portable, high-energy resolution, non-cryogenic x-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analyzer systems, with parameters approaching those of laboratory quality cryogenic instruments; (2) the silicon avalanche photodiode (APD), which is a solid-state light sensitive device with internal amplification, capable of uniquely replacing the vacuum photomultiplier tube in scintillation gamma-ray spectrometer applications, and offering substantial improvements in size, ruggedness, low power operation and energy resolution; and (3) miniaturized (hybridized) low noise, low power amplification and processing electronics, which take full advantage of the favorable properties of these new sensors and allow for the design and fabrication of advanced, highly miniaturized x-ray and gamma-ray spectroscopy systems. The paper also presents experimental results and examples of spectrometric systems currently under construction. The directions for future developments are discussed.
Rocket data have been used to evaluate the characteristics of precipitating relativistic electrons and their effects on the electrodynamic structure of the middle atmosphere. These data were obtained at Poker Flat, Alaska, on May 13 and 14, 1990, during a midday, highly relativistic electron (HRE) precipitation event. Solid state detectors were used to measure the electron fluxes and their energy spectra. An X ray scintillator was included on each flight to measure bremsstrahlung X rays produced by energetic electrons impacting on the upper atmosphere. However, these were found the be of negligible importance for this particular event. The energy deposition by the electrons has been determined from the flux measurements and compared with in situ measurements of the atmospheric electrical response. The electrodynamic measurements were obtained by the same rockets and additionally on May 13, with an accompanying rocket. The impact flux was highly irregular, containing short-lived bursts of relativistic electrons, mainly with energies below 0.5 MeV and with fluxes most enhanced between pitch angles of 0 deg - 20 deg. Although the geostationary counterpart of this measured event was considered to be of relatively low intensity and hardness, energy deposition peaked near 75 km with fluxes approaching an ion pair production rate in excess of 100/cu cm s. This exceeds peak fluxes in relativistic electron precipitation (REP) events as observed by us in numerous rocket soundings since 1976. Conductivity measurements from a blunt probe showed that negative electrical conductivities exceeded positive conductivities down to 50 km or lower, consistent with steady ionization by precipitating electrons above 1 MeV. These findings imply that the electrons from the outer radiation zone can modulate the electrical properties of the middle atmosphere to altitudes below 50 km. During the decline and activity minimum of the current solar cycle, we anticipate the occurence of similar events but with fluxes 1-2 orders of magnitude above that reported here, based on studies of earlier solar cycles (e.g., Baker et al., 1993).
The discovery and development of new scintillation materials support national security needs. In these applications, large volumes of scintillator crystals are needed to achieve efficient screening for contraband. Therefore, one important step in the discovery of new scintillator compositions is testing their feasibility for scale-up and their stability. In this work, high-quality Ø22 mm crystals of two new scintillators RbSr 2 Br 5 :Eu and RbSr 2 I 5 :Eu were grown via the Vertical Bridgman method, and their scintillation properties were characterized. Here, the Ø22 mm RbSr 2 I 5 :Eu crystals could be grown with fast translation rates up to 3.5 mm/h. Both RbSr 2 Br 5 :Eu and RbSr 2 I 5 :Eu had high scintillation performance, including light yields of 46,000 and 61,000 ph/MeV, respectively, for Ø22 × 35 mm crystals. Additionally, properties related to physical stability were investigated, including the coefficients of thermal expansion via high-temperature X-ray diffraction (HTXRD) as well as moisture sensitivity. HTXRD confirmed the absence of solid–solid phase transitions and showed that RbSr 2 Br 5 had minimal thermal expansion anisotropy compared to RbSr 2 I 5 and some other inorganic metal halide scintillators, which favors the growth of large-sized crystals.