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At least 163 records · Page 9

Characterization of Silicon Photomultiplier Photon Detection Efficiency at Liquid Nitrogen Temperature

The detection of individual photons at cryogenic temperatures is of interest to many experiments searching for physics beyond the Standard Model. Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) are often deployed in liquid argon or liquid xenon to detect scintillation light either directly or after it has been wavelength-shifted. Maximizing the photon detection efficiency (PDE) of the SiPMs used in these experiments optimizes the sensitivity to new physics; however, the PDEs of commercial SiPMs, although well known at room temperature, are not well characterized at the cryogenic temperatures at which many experiments operate them. Here we present results from an experimental setup that measures the photon detection efficiencies of silicon photomultipliers at liquid nitrogen temperature, 77 K. Results from a KETEK PM3325-WB-D0 and a Hamamatsu S13360-3050CS silicon photomultiplier — of R&D interest to the LEGEND experiment — exhibit a decrease in photon detection efficiency greater than 20% at liquid nitrogen temperature relative to room temperature for 562 nm light.

Cryogenic detectors↗

High energy particle detection with large area superconducting microwire array

We present the first detailed study of an 8-channel2×2 mm$^{2}$ WSi superconducting microwire single photondetector (SMSPD) array exposed to 120 GeV proton beam and 8 GeVelectron and pion beam at the Fermilab Test Beam Facility. TheSMSPD detection efficiency was measured for the first time forprotons, electrons, and pions, enabled by the use of a silicontracking telescope that provided precise spatial resolution of30 μm for 120 GeV protons and 130 μm for 8 GeVelectrons and pions. The result demonstrated consistent detectionefficiency across pixels and at different bias currents. Timeresolution of 1.15 ns was measured for the first time for SMSPDwith proton, electron, and pions, enabled by the use of an MCP-PMTwhich provided a ps-level reference time stamp. The resultspresented is the first step towards developing SMSPD array systemsoptimized for high energy particle detection and identification forfuture accelerator-based experiments.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Large-area photon calorimeter with Ir-Pt bilayer transition-edge sensor for the CUPID experiment

CUPID is a next-generation neutrinoless double-β decay experiment that will require cryogenic light detectors to improve background suppression, via the simultaneous readout of heat and light channels from its scintillating crystals. In this work, we showcase light detectors based on an alternative Ir-Pt bilayer transition-edge sensor. We have performed a systematic study to improve the thermal coupling between the photon absorber and the sensor, and thereby its responsivity. Our first devices meet CUPID's baseline noise requirement of < 100 eV rms. Our detectors have risetimes of approximately 180μs and measured timing jitter of < 20μs for the expected signal to noise at the Q value of the decay, which achieves the CUPID's criterion of rejecting two-neutrino double-β decay pile-up events. In conclusion, the current work will inform the fabrication of future devices, culminating in the final TES design and a scaleable readout scheme for CUPID.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Measuring the Migdal effect in semiconductors for dark matter detection

The Migdal effect has received much attention from the dark matter direct detection community, in particular due to its power in setting leading limits on sub-GeV particle dark matter. However, it is crucial to obtain experimental confirmation of the Migdal effect through nuclear scattering using Standard Model probes. In this work, we extend existing calculations of the Migdal effect to the case of neutron-nucleus scattering, with a particular focus on neutron scattering angle distributions in silicon. We identify kinematic regimes wherein the assumptions present in current calculations of the Migdal effect hold for neutron scattering and demonstrate that these include viable neutron calibration schemes. We then apply this framework to propose an experimental strategy to measure the Migdal effect in cryogenic silicon detectors using an upgrade to the NEXUS facility at Fermilab.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

A High-Speed, High-Resolution Transition Edge Sensor Spectrometer for Soft X-Rays at the Advanced Photon Source

This project explores the design and development of a transition edge sensor (TES) spectrometer for resonant soft X-ray scattering (RSXS) measurements developed in collaboration between Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Soft X-ray scattering is a powerful technique for studying the electronic and magnetic properties of materials on a microscopic level. However, the lack of high-performance soft X-ray spectrometers has limited the potential of this technique. TES spectrometers have the potential to overcome these limitations due to their high energy resolution, high efficiency, and broad energy range. This project aims to optimize the design of a TES spectrometer for RSXS measurements and more generally soft X-ray spectroscopy at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) 29-ID, leading to improved understanding of advanced materials. We will present a detailed description of the instrument design and implementation. The spectrometer consists of a large array of approximately 250 high-speed and high-resolution pixels. The pixels have saturation energies of approximately 1 keV, sub-ms pulse duration and energy resolution of approximately 1 eV. The array is read out using microwave multiplexing chips with MHz bandwidth per channel, enabling efficient data throughput. To facilitate measurement of samples in situ under ultra-high vacuum conditions at the beamline, the spectrometer is integrated with an approximately 1 m long snout.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Line emission mapper microcalorimeter spectrometer

The line emission mapper (LEM) is a probe-class mission concept that is designed to detect x-ray emission lines from hot ionized gas (T > 10 6 K) that will enable us to test galaxy evolution theories. It will permit us to study the effects of stellar and black-hole feedback and flows of baryonic matter into and out of galaxies. The key to being able to study the hot gases that are otherwise invisible to current imaging x-ray spectrometers is that the energy resolution is sufficient to use cosmological redshift to separate extragalactic source lines from foreground Milky Way emission. LEM incorporates a large-format microcalorimeter array instrument called the LEM microcalorimeter spectrometer (LMS) with a light-weight x-ray optic with 10” half power diameter angular resolution. The LMS microcalorimeter array has pixels with 15" pixel pitch over a 33' field of view (FOV) optimized for the 0.3 to 2 keV energy band. The central 7' region of the array has an energy resolution of 1.3 eV at 1 keV and the rest of the FOV has 2.5 eV energy resolution at 1 keV. The array will be read out with state-of-the-art time-division multiplexing. We present an overview of the LMS instrument, including details of the entire detection chain, the focal plane assembly, as well as the cooling system and overall mechanical and thermal design. For each of the key technologies, we discuss the current technology readiness level and the plan to advance them to be ready for flight. We also describe the current system design and our estimate for the mass, power, and data rate of the instrument. The design details presented concentrate primarily on the unique aspects of the LMS design compared with prior missions and confirm that the type of microcalorimeter instrument needed for LEM is not only feasible but also technically mature.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

A space simulation test chamber development for the investigation of radiometric properties of materials

The design, fabrication, and preliminary utilization of a thermal vacuum space simulation facility are discussed. The facility was required to perform studies on the thermal radiation properties of materials. A test chamber was designed to provide high pumping speed, low pressure, a low photon level radiation background (via high emissivity, coated, finned cryopanels), internal heat sources for rapid warmup, and rotary and linear motion of the irradiated materials specimen. The radiation detection system consists of two wideband infrared photoconductive detectors, their cryogenic coolers, a cryogenic-cooled blackbody source, and a cryogenic-cooled optical radiation modulator.

Enlow, D. L.↗

Radiation cooler for 10 micrometer wavelength engineering model receiver model no. 7172, serial no. 201

The design, fabrication, and testing of a radiative cooler are described. This cooler is an engineering model suitable for bench testing in the laboratory as a part of the 10-micrometer wavelength engineering model receiver, and conforms to the standard radiative cooler configuration, except that the inner stage and its support system were redesigned to accommodate the larger, heavier SAT detector. This radiative cooler will cool the detector to cryogenic temperature levels when the receiver is in a space environment or in a suitable thermal vacuum chamber. Equipment specifications are given along with the results of thermal tests, vibration tests, and electrical integrity tests.

Source record↗

Fourier spectroscopy on planetary missions including Voyager

For more than a decade, spaceborne Fourier transform spectrometers have been employed in investigations concerning the earth and other objects in the solar system. The wide spectral range at moderately high spectral resolution, the precise wavenumber and radiometric calibrations, and the reliability achieved by these instruments, have permitted scientific investigations which would otherwise have been impossible. Weight limitations and the long flight durations prohibited the use of highly sensitive, cryogenically cooled detectors on these missions. A brief review is presented of the evolution of the instruments known as IRIS (InfraRed Interferometric Spectrometer). The concept of remote sensing by infrared emission spectroscopy is discussed, and examples of results obtained with IRIS are presented. Attention is given to the most recent results from Voyager with emphasis on those from Titan.

Hanel, R. A.↗

Shuttle optical environment; Proceedings of the Meeting, Washington, DC, April 23, 24, 1981

The numerical modeling, instrumentation, identification, and procedures to characterize and/or control contamination hazards to equipment used on the Shuttle are discussed. On-orbit pollutants include molecular offgassing and outgassing, particulate material, and substances from thrusters, vents, and leaks. Clean-rooms are being implemented in ground assembly and integration facilities. Attention is given to an upgraded SPACE program for numerically modeling contamination pathways and appropriate procedures to protect instrumentation from film and particulate deposition. Finally, attention is given to military cryogenic IR detectors being employed to quantify the Shuttle thermal and solid pollutant environment on-orbit as a prelude to future operational IR sensors.

Miller, E. R.↗

X-ray spectroscopy and imagery of supernova remnants with the Einstein Observatory

The two complementary spectroscopic instruments of the Einsten Observatory make possible X-ray spectroscopy of SNRs with considerably increased sensitivity and spectral resolution. The Solid State Spectrometer is a cryogenically cooled detector with 160 eV resolution, which suffices not only for the separation of lines due to different elements, but also the resolution of H-like, He-like and neutral lines from the same element for Si and above. The Focal Plane Crystal Spectrometer uses Bragg crystals to achieve excellent spectral resolution, but at the expense of sensitivity. Both instruments operate over most of the 0.2-4 keV energy band of the Einstein telescope, and are able to detect most of the important X-ray lines except the K lines of Fe and Ni.

Winkler, P. F.↗

High precision photometry with fiber optics

This paper discusses the issues involved in measurements made with high-precision multichannel photometers that use cryogenically cooled detectors and optical fibers to bring the light from the star images to the dewar and then to the detectors. The use of optical fibers introduces photometric errors. Measurements are presented of the errors caused by small changes in the position of the image on the fiber.

Borucki, W. J.↗

Proceedings Of Infrared-Detector Workshop

Advances in infrared imagers for astronomy reported. Proceedings of Third Infrared Detector Technology Workshop is 474-page volume containing 37 papers presented at scientific conference at Ames Research Center in February 1989. Focuses on infrared detectors, arrays of such detectors, and cryogenic electronics relevant to infrared astronomy. Emphasis on development of equipment to make low-background observations from platforms in outer space; also discusses observations from ground-based and airborne platforms.

Mccreight, Craig R.↗

Space technology test facilities at the NASA Ames Research Center

The major space research and technology test facilities at the NASA Ames Research Center are divided into five categories: General Purpose, Life Support, Computer-Based Simulation, High Energy, and the Space Exploraton Test Facilities. The paper discusses selected facilities within each of the five categories and discusses some of the major programs in which these facilities have been involved. Special attention is given to the 20-G Man-Rated Centrifuge, the Human Research Facility, the Plant Crop Growth Facility, the Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation Facility, the Arc-Jet Complex and Hypersonic Test Facility, the Infrared Detector and Cryogenic Test Facility, and the Mars Wind Tunnel. Each facility is described along with its objectives, test parameter ranges, and major current programs and applications.

Gross, Anthony R.↗

An overview of the spectroscopy of the atmosphere using far infrared emission experiment (SAFIRE)

The SAFIRE experiment was conceived to satisfy a long-standing need for simultaneous middle atmosphere observations of ozone and important O(y), HO(y), NO(y), ClO(y), and BrO(y) gases, coupled with dynamics data. This will be accomplished using interferometry and broadband radiometry to sound the Earth limb in the far IR and mid IR, respectively. The experiment will employ the latest developments in detector and cryogenic cooling technology in order to achieve the measurement objectives. Detailed instrument and simulated atmospheric retrieval studies show that important gases such as OH, HO2, H2O2, HDO, N2O5, and HOCl can be observed with good accuracy.

Russell, James M., III↗

THz Spectroscopy of the Atmosphere

THz spectroscopy of the atmosphere has been driven by the need to make remote sensing measurements of OH. While the THz region can be used for sensitive detection on many atmospheric molecules, the THz region is the best region for measuring the diurnal behavior of stratospheric OH by remote sensing. The infrared region near 3 microns suffers from chemiluminescence and from spectral contamination due to water. The ultraviolet region near 300 nm requires solar illumination. The three techniques for OH emission measurements in the THz region include Fourier Transform interferometry, Fabry-Perot interferometry, and heterodyne radiometry. The first two use cryogenic direct detectors while the last technique uses a local oscillator and a mixer to down convert the THz signal to GHz frequencies. All techniques have been used to measure stratospheric OH from balloon platforms. OH results from the Fabry-Perot based FILOS instrument will be given. Heterodyne measurement of OH at 2.5 THz has been selected to be a component of the Microwave Limb Sounder on the Earth Observing System CHEM-1 polar satellite. The design of this instrument will be described. A balloon-based prototype heterodyne 2.5 THz radiometer had its first flight on, 24 May 1998. Results form this flight will be presented.

Pickett, Herbert M.↗

Earth Observing-1 Advanced Land Imager: Radiometric Response Calibration

The Advanced Land Imager (ALI) is one of three instruments to be flown on the first Earth Observing mission (EO-1) under NASA's New Millennium Program (NMP). ALI contains a number of innovative features, including a wide field of view optical design, compact multispectral focal plane arrays, non-cryogenic HgCdTe detectors for the short wave infrared bands, and silicon carbide optics. This document outlines the techniques adopted during ground calibration of the radiometric response of the Advanced Land Imager. Results from system level measurements of the instrument response, signal-to-noise ratio, saturation radiance, and dynamic range for all detectors of every spectral band are also presented.

Mendenhall, J. A.↗