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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 739 records · Page 41
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

A Study of a Mini-Drift GEM Tracking Detector

In this paper, a GEM tracking detector with an extended drift region has been studied as part of an effort to develop new tracking detectors for future experiments at RHIC and for the Electron Ion Collider that is being planned for BNL or JLAB. The detector consists of a triple GEM stack with a 1.6 cm drift region that was operated in a mini TPC type configuration. Both the position and arrival time of the charge deposited in the drift region were measured on the readout plane which allowed the reconstruction of a short vector for the track traversing the chamber. The resulting position and angle information from the vector could then be used to improve the position resolution of the detector for larger angle tracks, which deteriorates rapidly with increasing angle for conventional GEM tracking detectors using only charge centroid information. Two types of readout planes were studied. One was a COMPASS style readout plane with 400 μm pitch XY strips and the other consisted of 2 × 10 mm 2 chevron pads. The detector was studied in test beams at Fermilab and CERN, along with additional measurements in the lab, in order to determine its position and angular resolution for incident track angles up to 45 degrees. Several algorithms were studied for reconstructing the vector using the position and timing information in order to optimize the position and angular resolution of the detector for the different readout planes. Finally, applications for large angle tracking detectors at RHIC and EIC are also discussed.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2019

Parallel programming of an ionic floating-gate memory array for scalable neuromorphic computing

Neuromorphic computers could overcome efficiency bottlenecks inherent to conventional computing through parallel programming and readout of artificial neural network weights in a crossbar memory array. However, selective and linear weight updates and <10-nanoampere read currents are required for learning that surpasses conventional computing efficiency. We introduce an ionic floating-gate memory array based on a polymer redox transistor connected to a conductive-bridge memory (CBM). Selective and linear programming of a redox transistor array is executed in parallel by overcoming the bridging threshold voltage of the CBMs. Synaptic weight readout with currents <10 nanoamperes is achieved by diluting the conductive polymer with an insulator to decrease the conductance. The redox transistors endure >1 billion write-read operations and support >1-megahertz write-read frequencies.

bio-inspired, energy storage (including batteries ↗
DOE OSTI2019

Negative Ion Drift Time Projection Chamber Development for High-Resolution Tracking

Gas Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) are used extensively in High Energy Physics. Modern micro-pattern gaseous detectors (MPGDs) have made it feasible to construct large-volume TPCs with high readout granularity, so that ionization can be imaged with spatial resolution of order 100 μm or better. A challenge with large TPCs is preserving the track geometry over large drift distances. The reduced diffusion offered by negative ion drift (NID) has long been considered a possible means to scaling up TPCs at reduced cost, but NID has up to now required toxic and often flammable multi-component gas mixtures. A number of recent breakthroughs in the field have, however, led to a resurgence of interest in NID gas TPCs: First, it was found that multiple charge carriers in NID can be utilized to measure the absolute position of primary ionization in the drift direction, yielding a powerful new handle on backgrounds, at zero additional cost. Second, work by one of the PIs has revealed SF6 gas to be a non-toxic, non-flammable, NID gas with suitable minority charge carriers present. Third, preliminary work by the PIs suggests that multiple MPGD technologies work well with SF6. This opens the door to a new generation of large, high-resolution, low-background, low-cost gas TPCs. In this work we will investigate MPGD charge multiplication and charge readout in NID TPCs with SF6 gas. The objectives are to quantify the improvement over electron drift TPCs, and to identify the optimal MPGD types, operational parameters, electronics, and vacuum technologies for future low-background experiments. We will measure low-level detector performance parameters such as gain, gain resolution, and spatial resolution, as well as the resulting higher-level performance parameters such nuclear recoil identification efficiency, gamma-ray background rejection, track angle resolution and recoil energy resolution. The proposed work also includes investigation of acrylic vacuum vessels and collaboration on dedicated charge readout chips, both required for next-generation NID MPGD TPCs. MGPD NID TPCs may prove transformative for applications which require both high readout granularity and large detector volumes, such as the reconstruction of nuclear recoils in the context of large-scale directional dark matter searches, measurements of coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering, and directional neutron detection. While the proposed work is focused on nuclear recoils, the lessons learned will be widely applicable to gas TPCs in HEP, and hence have broad impact.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Exploring Novel Technologies for Particle Tracking in Gas TPCs (Final Technical Report)

This report provides the final results from R&D on a novel 2D readout for a time projection chamber (TPC), which operates with negative-ion drift. The readout consists of two gas electron multiplier (GEM) devices places at an angle with respect to each other. The 2D range of particles interacting in the TPC is reconstructed using pulse-shape timing only. Due to the low diffusion and drift speeds of the negative-ions carrying the track information to the anode, the track resolution is <200 microns. Acquiring this level of resolution for short, low energy particle tracks in a standard TPC would require a fine granularity strip or pixel readout with many 1000s of electronic channels. With this novel readout, only two channels are needed. Our results showed that the concept is fundamentally sound. We found a number of issues related to how well the timing signals are determined from the pulse waveforms. Solutions for these had to be left for future R&D.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2021

The Simons Observatory Microwave SQUID Multiplexing Detector Module Design

Advances in cosmic microwave background (CMB) science depend on increasing the number of sensitive detectors observing the sky. New instruments deploy large arrays of superconducting transition-edge sensor (TES) bolometers tiled densely into ever larger focal planes. High multiplexing factors reduce the thermal loading on the cryogenic receivers and simplify their design. We present the design of focal-plane modules with an order of magnitude higher multiplexing factor than has previously been achieved with TES bolometers. We focus on the novel cold readout component, which employs microwave SQUID multiplexing (μmux). Simons Observatory will use 49 modules containing 70,000 bolometers to make exquisitely sensitive measurements of the CMB. We validate the focal-plane module design, presenting measurements of the readout component with and without a prototype detector array of 1728 polarization-sensitive bolometers coupled to feedhorns. The readout component achieves a 95% yield and a 910 multiplexing factor. The median white noise of each readout channel is 65 . This impacts the projected SO mapping speed by <8%, which is less than is assumed in the sensitivity projections. The results validate the full functionality of the module. We discuss the measured performance in the context of SO science requirements, which are exceeded.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2025

The IDEA detector concept for FCC-ee

A detector concept, named IDEA, optimized for the physics and running conditions at the FCC-ee is presented. After discussing the expected running conditions and the main physics drivers, a detailed description of the individual sub-detectors is given. These include: a very light tracking system with a powerful vertex detector inside a large drift chamber surrounded by a silicon wrapper, a high resolution dual readout crystal electromagnetic calorimeter, an HTS based superconducting solenoid, a dual readout fiber calorimeter and three layers of muon chambers embedded in the magnet flux return yoke. Some examples of the expected detector performance, based on fast and full simulation, are also given.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS1973

Performance evaluation of a strapdown electrically suspended gyro for space

The engineering development directed to improvement in strapdown electrically suspended gyro (SD/ESG) readout accuracy are described. The results of this development effort were represented by new and modified parts which were assembled into a strapdown ESG which was evaluated in terms of its readout system accuracy. The program performance goal was the demonstration of gyro readout to an accuracy of 15 arc-seconds or better. The results of calibrating over two sets of data were error amounts of 11.4 and 12.7 arc-seconds rms. The rms values of readout error were 12.7 and 13.8 arc-seconds for two sets of data not included in the calibration. The techniques for rotor preparation which were investigated under this contract included the application of a thin metal coating to the rotor surface in addition to the use of bare, polished beryllium rotors. Patterning application means which were utilized included a laser for pattern exposure of a photoresist coating and a grit-blast patterning machine which applied the pattern directly onto the metal surface of the rotor.

Elwell, D. F.↗
NASA NTRS1984

A CCD System for Photometry of Direct and Spectroscopic Images

A charge-coupled device (CCD) for direct imagery at the focus of a ground-based telescope and for high dispersion spectroscopy of stars is evaluated. The CCD is an RCA SID 53612 thinned, buried channel array of 512x320 30-micron square pixels that are back-illuminated and refrigerated to about -60 C in a rugged, RF-shielded vacuum housing. The double-correlated sampling (integrator) readout system, the Z80 microprocessor readout control system, and the data collection system are described. The readout noise is 120 electron-hole pairs (ehp) per pixel per readout, the thermal dark current is 50 ehp/pixel/sec, and the scale of the 12-bit analog-to-digital converter is 25 ehp/AD unit. Unique features of this system are compared to other astronomical implementations of the same model of CCD.

Frecker, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Wide field and diffraction limited array camera for SIRTF

The Infrared Array Camera for the space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF/IRAC) is capable of two-dimensional photometry in either a wide field or diffraction-limited mode over the wavelength interval from 2 to 30 microns. Three different two-dimensional direct readout (DRO) array detectors will be used: Band 1-InSb or Si:In (2-5 microns) 128 x 128 pixels, Band 2-Si:Ga (5-18 microns) 64 x 64 pixels, and Band 3-Si:Sb (18-30 microns) 64 x 64 pixels. The hybrid DRO readout architecture has the advantages of low read noise, random pixel access with individual readout rates, and nondestructive readout. The scientific goals of IRAC are discussed, which are the basis for several important requirements and capabilities of the array camera: (1) diffraction-limited resolution from 2-30 microns, (2) use of the maximum unvignetted field of view of SIRTF, (3) simultaneous observations within the three infrared spectral bands, and (4) the capability for broad and narrow bandwidth spectral resolution. A strategy has been developed to minimize the total electronic and environmental noise sources to satisfy the scientific requirements.

Fazio, G. G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Wide field and diffraction limited array camera for SIRTF

The Infrared Array Camera for the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF/IRAC) is capable of two-dimensional photometry in either a wide field or diffraction-limited mode over the wavelength interval from 2 to 30 microns. Three different two-dimensional direct readout (DRO) array detectors are being considered: Band 1-InSb or Si:In (2-5 microns) 128 x 128 pixels, Band 2-Si:Ga (5-18 microns) 64 x 64 pixels, and Band 3-Si:Sb (18-30 microns) 64 x 64 pixels. The hybrid DRO readout architecture has the advantages of low read noise, random pixel access with individual readout rates, and nondestructive readout. The scientific goals of IRAC are discussed, which are the basis for several important requirements and capabilities of the array camera: (1) diffraction-limited resolution from 2-30 microns, (2) use of the maximum unvignetted field of view of SIRTF, (3) simultaneous observations within the three infrared spectral bands, and (4) the capability for broad and narrow bandwidth spectral resolution. A strategy has been developed to minimize the total electronic and environmental noise sources to satisfy the scientific requirements.

Fazio, G. G.↗
NASA NTRS1987

IRAC test report. Gallium doped silicon band 2: Read noise and dark current

A direct readout infrared detector array, a candidate for the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) Infrared Array Camera (IRAC), has been tested. The array has a detector surface of gallium doped silicon, bump bonded to a 58x62 pixel MOSFET multiplexer on a separate chip. Although this chip and system do not meet all the SIRTF requirements, the critically important read noise is within a factor of 3 of the requirement. Significant accomplishments of this study include: (1) development of a low noise correlated double sampling readout system with a readout noise of 127 to 164 electrons (based on the detector integrator capacitance of 0.1 pF); (2) measurement of the readout noise of the detector itself, ranging from 123 to 214 electrons with bias only (best to worst pixel), and 256 to 424 electrons with full clocking in normal operation at 5.4 K where dark current is small. Thirty percent smaller read noises are obtained at a temperature of 15K; (3) measurement of the detector response versus integration time, showing significant nonlinear behavior for large signals, well below the saturation level; and (4) development of a custom computer interface and suitable software for collection, analysis and display of data.

Lamb, Gerald↗
NASA NTRS1988

Development of a unit cell for a Ge:Ga detector array

Two modules of gallium-doped germanium (Ge:Ga) infrared detectors with integrated multiplexing readouts and supporting drive electronics were designed and tested. This development investigated the feasibility of producing two-dimensional Ge:Ga arrays by stacking linear modules in a housing capable of providing uniaxial stress for enhanced long-wavelength response. Each module includes 8 detectors (1x1x2 mm) mounted to a sapphire board. The element spacing is 12 microns. The back faces of the detector elements are beveled with an 18 deg angle, which was proved to significantly enhance optical absorption. Each module includes a different silicon metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) readout. The first circuit was built from discrete MOSFET components; the second incorporated devices taken from low-temperature integrated circuit multiplexers. The latter circuit exhibited much lower stray capacitance and improved stability. Using these switched-FET circuits, it was demonstrated that burst readout, with multiplexer active only during the readout period, could successfully be implemented at approximately 3.5 K.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1987

Delay line anodes for microchannel-plate spectrometers

A photon-counting readout system for microchannel-plate spectrometers is described that uses a delay line and timing circuit for the wavelength coordinate and a wedge-wedge charge division system for the orthogonal spatial coordinate. A novel zigzag layout allows these two anode patterns to coexist on a common planar substrate and share the charge from each photoevent, thereby simultaneously localizing the photon in each of its two dimensions. Unlike wedge-and-strip or resistive anode encoders, the delay line offers a spatial resolution that is relatively independent of the format length. Unlike discrete anode systems, the delay line readout system's complexity is also independent of the field of view size. These facts make the delay line readout system advantageous in large format detectors. A testbed detector having a delay line propagation speed of 2.2 mm/ns and a time resolution of 33 ps FWHM has been assembled. Ultraviolet testing shows a Gaussian event distribution having a 70-micron FWHM width; the readout system blur contribution is less than 50-micron FWHM.

Lampton, M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Improved low frequency stability of bolometric detectors

An ac bridge readout system has been developed that greatly improves the low-frequency stability of bolometric detectors. The readout can be implemented with a simple circuit appropriate for use in space applications. A matched pair of detectors was used in the readout to achieve system noise within a factor of two of the fundamental noise limit of the detectors at frequencies as low as 10 mHz. The low-frequency stability of the readout system allows slower, more sensitive detectors to be used in many applications, and it facilitates observing strategies that are well suited to spaceborne observations.

Wilbanks, T.↗
NASA NTRS1990

LDEF Experiment P0006 Linear Energy Transfer Spectrum Measurement (LETSME) quick look report

A preliminary analysis of the various passive radiation detector materials included in the P0006 LETSME experiment flown on LDEF (Long Duration Exposure Facility) is presented. It consists of four tasks: (1) readout and analysis of thermoluminescent detectors (TLD); (2) readout and analysis of fission foil/mica detectors; (3) readout and analysis of (6)LiF/CR-39 detectors; and (4) preliminary processing and readout of CR-39 and polycarbonate plastic nuclear track detectors (PNTD).

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1994

Optically Addressable, Ferroelectric Memory With NDRO

For readout, memory cells addressed via on-chip semiconductor lasers. Proposed thin-film ferroelectric memory device features nonvolatile storage, optically addressable, nondestructive readout (NDRO) with fast access, and low vulnerability to damage by ionizing radiation. Polarization switched during recording and erasure, but not during readout. As result, readout would not destroy contents of memory, and operating life in specific "read-intensive" applications increased up to estimated 10 to the 16th power cycles.

Thakoor, Sarita↗
NASA NTRS2001

Theory and Development of Position-Sensitive Quantum Calorimeters

Quantum calorimeters are being developed as imaging spectrometers for future X-ray astrophysics observatories. Much of the science to be done by these instruments could benefit greatly from larger focal-plane coverage of the detector (without increasing pixel size). An order of magnitude more area will greatly increase the science throughput of these future instruments. One of the main deterrents to achieving this goal is the complexity of the readout schemes involved. We have devised a way to increase the number of pixels from the current baseline designs by an order of magnitude without increasing the number of channels required for readout. The instrument is a high energy resolution, distributed-readout imaging spectrometer called a Position-Sensitive Transition-Edge Sensor (POST). A POST is a quantum calorimeter consisting of two Transition-Edge Sensors (TESS) on the ends of a long absorber capable of one-dimensional imaging spectroscopy. Comparing rise time and energy information from the two TESS, the position of the event in the POST is determined. The energy of the event is inferred from the sum of the two pulses. We have developed a generalized theoretical formalism for distributed-readout calorimeters and apply it to our devices. We derive the noise theory and calculate the theoretical energy resolution of a POST. Our calculations show that a 7-pixel POST with 6 keV saturation energy can achieve 2.3 eV resolution, making this a competitive design for future quantum calorimeter instruments. For this thesis we fabricated 7- and 15-pixel POSTS using Mo/Au TESs and gold absorbers, and moved from concept drawings on scraps of napkins to a 32 eV energy resolution at 1.5 keV, 7-pixel POST calorimeter.

Figueroa-Feliciano, Enectali↗
NASA NTRS2007

Image sensor with high dynamic range linear output

Designs and operational methods to increase the dynamic range of image sensors and APS devices in particular by achieving more than one integration times for each pixel thereof. An APS system with more than one column-parallel signal chains for readout are described for maintaining a high frame rate in readout. Each active pixel is sampled for multiple times during a single frame readout, thus resulting in multiple integration times. The operation methods can also be used to obtain multiple integration times for each pixel with an APS design having a single column-parallel signal chain for readout. Furthermore, analog-to-digital conversion of high speed and high resolution can be implemented.

Yadid-Pecht, Orly↗