Development of Particle Detectors
Particle imaging with CMOS SPAD array photosensors
We are developing, in collaboration with EPFL, single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array sensors to read out the scintillation light in superfine granularity organic scintillator detector, such as thin scintillating fibers and 3D photocameras, aiming to sub-millimetre spatial resolution and sub-nanosecond time resolution.
-
SPAD Photocamera -
XY-Bundle couple -
An electron from a 90Sr source detected with a SPAD array sensor.
3D printing of scintillating detectors
As neutrinos can only interact weakly, detectors have to be massive (several tonnes). However, they shall have three-dimensional fine segmentation to provide precise 3D images of neutrino interactions. Combining both features makes both the production and the assembly of these types of detectors very challenging and requires a breakthrough.
That’s why we are developing a new manufacturing process that allows to entirely 3D print a finely-segmented plastic scintillator detector.
-
A 3D printed highly-segmented plastic scintillator prototype exposed to UV light -
A muon detected by the 3D printed detector prototype during a beam test at CERN