71,233 research outputs found
The Outer Tracker Detector of the HERA-B Experiment. Part II: Front-End Electronics
The HERA-B Outer Tracker is a large detector with 112674 drift chamber
channels. It is exposed to a particle flux of up to 2x10^5/cm^2/s thus coping
with conditions similar to those expected for the LHC experiments. The
front-end readout system, based on the ASD-8 chip and a customized TDC chip, is
designed to fulfil the requirements on low noise, high sensitivity, rate
tolerance, and high integration density. The TDC system is based on an ASIC
which digitizes the time in bins of about 0.5 ns within a total of 256 bins.
The chip also comprises a pipeline to store data from 128 events which is
required for a deadtime-free trigger and data acquisition system. We report on
the development, installation, and commissioning of the front-end electronics,
including the grounding and noise suppression schemes, and discuss its
performance in the HERA-B experiment
The Quantum Socket: Three-Dimensional Wiring for Extensible Quantum Computing
Quantum computing architectures are on the verge of scalability, a key
requirement for the implementation of a universal quantum computer. The next
stage in this quest is the realization of quantum error correction codes, which
will mitigate the impact of faulty quantum information on a quantum computer.
Architectures with ten or more quantum bits (qubits) have been realized using
trapped ions and superconducting circuits. While these implementations are
potentially scalable, true scalability will require systems engineering to
combine quantum and classical hardware. One technology demanding imminent
efforts is the realization of a suitable wiring method for the control and
measurement of a large number of qubits. In this work, we introduce an
interconnect solution for solid-state qubits: The quantum socket. The quantum
socket fully exploits the third dimension to connect classical electronics to
qubits with higher density and better performance than two-dimensional methods
based on wire bonding. The quantum socket is based on spring-mounted micro
wires the three-dimensional wires that push directly on a micro-fabricated
chip, making electrical contact. A small wire cross section (~1 mmm), nearly
non-magnetic components, and functionality at low temperatures make the quantum
socket ideal to operate solid-state qubits. The wires have a coaxial geometry
and operate over a frequency range from DC to 8 GHz, with a contact resistance
of ~150 mohm, an impedance mismatch of ~10 ohm, and minimal crosstalk. As a
proof of principle, we fabricated and used a quantum socket to measure
superconducting resonators at a temperature of ~10 mK.Comment: Main: 31 pages, 19 figs., 8 tables, 8 apps.; suppl.: 4 pages, 5 figs.
(HiRes figs. and movies on request). Submitte
Atom Interferometry in Space: Thermal Management and Magnetic Shielding
Atom interferometry is an exciting tool to probe fundamental physics. It is
considered especially apt to test the universality of free fall by using two
different sorts of atoms. The increasing sensitivity required for this kind of
experiment sets severe requirements on its environments, instrument control,
and systematic effects. This can partially be mitigated by going to space as
was proposed, for example, in the Spacetime Explorer and Quantum Equivalence
Principle Space Test (STE-QUEST) mission. However, the requirements on the
instrument are still very challenging. For example, the specifications of the
STE-QUEST mission imply that the Feshbach coils of the atom interferometer are
allowed to change their radius only by about 260 nm or 2.6E-4% due to thermal
expansion although they consume an average power of 22 W. Also Earth's magnetic
field has to be suppressed by a factor of 10E5. We show in this article that
with the right design such thermal and magnetic requirements can indeed be met
and that these are not an impediment for the exciting physics possible with
atom interferometers in space.Comment: v2: minor changes to agree with published version; 8 pages, 6 figure
An all-glass microfluidic network with integrated amorphous silicon photosensors for on-chip monitoring of enzymatic biochemical assay
A lab-on-chip system, integrating an all-glass microfluidics and on-chip optical detection, was developed and tested. The microfluidic network is etched in a glass substrate, which is then sealed with a glass cover by direct bonding. Thin film amorphous silicon photosensors have been fabricated on the sealed microfluidic substrate preventing the contamination of the micro-channels. The microfluidic network is then made accessible by opening inlets and outlets just prior to the use, ensuring the sterility of the device. The entire fabrication process relies on conventional photolithographic microfabrication techniques and is suitable for low-cost mass production of the device. The lab-on-chip system has been tested by implementing a chemiluminescent biochemical reaction. The inner channel walls of the microfluidic network are chemically functionalized with a layer of polymer brushes and horseradish peroxidase is immobilized into the coated channel. The results demonstrate the successful on-chip detection of hydrogen peroxide down to 18 mu M by using luminol and 4-iodophenol as enhancer agent
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