A High-resolution TOF Detector - A Possible Way to Compete with a RICH Detector

Using two identical 64-pixel Burle/Photonis MCP-PMTs to provide start and stop signals, they have achieved a timing resolution of {sigma}{sub Single{_}detector} {approx} 7.2 ps for N{sub pe} {approx} 50 photoelectrons (N{sub pe}) with a laser diode providing a 1 mm spot on the MCP window. The limiting resolution achieved was {sigma}{sub Single{_}detector} {approx} 5.0 ps for N{sub pe} {approx} 180, for which they estimate the MCP-PMT contribution of {sigma}{sub MCP-PMT} {approx} 4.5 ps. The electronics contribution is estimated as {sigma}{sub Electrons} = 3.42 ps. These results suggest that an ultra-high resolution TOF detector may become a reality at future experiments one day

Beam Test of a Time-of-Flight Detector Prototype

We report on results of a Time-of-Flight, TOF, counter prototype in beam tests at SLAC and Fermilab. Using two identical 64-pixel Photonis Microchannel Plate Photomultipliers, MCP-PMTs, to provide start and stop signals, each having a 1 cm-long quartz Cherenkov radiator, we have achieved a timing resolution of {sigma}{sub Single{_}detector} {approx} 14 ps

Large area picosecond photodetector (LAPPDTM) offers fast timing for nuclear physics and medical imaging

The availability of large-area, economically produced, microchannel plate (MCP) photodetectors with tens of picosecond timing resolution and millimeter level spatial resolution for single photoelectrons are enabling new techniques where fast timing facilitates critical benefits including: more efficient background rejection and high vertex resolution in large scale high energy and nuclear physics (HEP and NP) experiments, particle track directionality information, and precise track reconstruction, as well as separation of Cherenkov and scintillation light. LAPPDs are now being produced on a routine pilot production basis, and are available to be employed in high energy and nuclear physics, for commercial applications such as in detectors for mass spectrometers, neutron detection for scientific and homeland security (non-proliferation), and for medical imaging time-of-flight positron emission tomography (TOF-PET). In the following, we provide an update on target performance of routinely produced prototype LAPPDs, including the performance of one specific LAPPD which is being evaluated at UC Davis for potential TOF-PET application. Previously obtained preliminary TOF-PET test results, taken at Incom Inc. with an earlier LAPPD, are also discussed

Transmission-Line Readout with Good Time and Space Resolutions for Planacon MCP-PMTs

With commercially-available multi-anode microchannel plate photomultiplier tubes (MCP-PMT) and electronics, resolutions significantly better than 10 psec have been achieved in small systems with a few readout channels[1,2]. For large-scale time-of-flight systems used in particle physics, which may cover tens of square meters, a solution must be found with a manageable number of electronics channels and low total power consumption on the readout electronics without degrading the system timing resolution. We present here the design of a transmission-line readout for a Photonis Planacon MCP-PMT that has these characteristics. The tube, which is 5 cm square, is characterized by signal pulse rise times in the order of 200 psec and transit time spreads (TTS) in the order of 25 psec[1, 2]. The model 85011-011 MCP has 1024 anode pads laid out in an array of 32 by 32 on the back of the tube. The proposed readout is implemented on a Rogers 4350B printed circuit board with 32 parallel 50-ohm transmission lines on 1.6 mm centers, each traversing one row of 32 pads. The board is connected with conductive epoxy to the 1024 anodes of the tube, each transmission line being read out on each end. We have simulated the electrical properties of the transmission-line readout board with Hyperlynx and Spice simulators. The simulations predict that the readout transmission-lines can achieve a signal bandwidth of 3.5 GHz, which should not significantly degrade the time and spatial resolutions intrinsic to the MCP-PMT signals

Microchannel plate detector technology potential for LUVOIR and HabEx

Microchannel plate (MCP) detectors have been the detector of choice for ultraviolet (UV) instruments onboard many NASA missions. These detectors have many advantages, including high spatial resolution (<20 mu m), photon counting, radiation hardness, large formats (up to 20 cm), and ability for curved focal plane matching. Novel borosilicate glass MCPs with atomic layer deposition combine extremely low backgrounds, high strength, and tunable secondary electron yield. GaN and combinations of bialkali/alkali halide photocathodes show promise for broadband, higher quantum efficiency. Cross-strip anodes combined with compact ASIC readout electronics enable high spatial resolution over large formats with high dynamic range. The technology readiness levels of these technologies are each being advanced through research grants for laboratory testing and rocket flights. Combining these capabilities would be ideal for UV instruments onboard the Large UV/Optical/IR Surveyor (LUVOIR) and the Habitable Exoplanet Imaging Mission (HABEX) concepts currently under study for NASA's Astrophysics Decadal Survey.NASA [NNG11AD54G, NNX14AD34G]This item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]