Microgravity facilities for cold atom experiments

Microgravity platforms enable cold atom research beyond experiments in typical laboratories by removing restrictions due to the gravitational acceleration or compensation techniques. While research in space allows for undisturbed experimentation, technological readiness, availability and accessibility present challenges for experimental operation. In this work we focus on the main capabilities and unique features of ground-based microgravity facilities for cold atom research. A selection of current and future scientific opportunities and their high demands on the microgravity environment are presented, and some relevant ground-based facilities are discussed and compared. Specifically, we point out the applicable free fall times, repetition rates, stability and payload capabilities, as well as programmatic and operational aspects of these facilities. These are contrasted with the requirements of various cold atom experiments. Besides being an accelerator for technology development, ground-based microgravity facilities allow fundamental and applied research with the additional benefit of enabling hands-on access to the experiment for modifications and adjustments

Noise cancellation by cross–triggering Scintillating Fiber Beam Monitors in the CERN Experimental Areas

In the CERN Experimental Areas, the Beam Instrumentation Group (BEAMS-BI) is working on a new particle detector for low-intensity secondary beams, including the beam line to the novel CERN Neutrino Platform. This XBPF Scintillating Fiber (SciFi) particle detector can detect individual particles and create a beam profile within an active area of 192 x 192 mm. The scintillation is detected by Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPM), connected to application specific readout electronics. The reverse-biased SiPM additionally output false signals generated from thermal noise (Dark Count Events, DCE), which need to be filtered. The detected Dark Count Rate (DCR) can be lowered by increasing the detection threshold, with a reduction of detection efficiency. By creating a logical AND coincidence between two detectors, the detector planes can cross-trigger, which significantly reduces the DCR thermal noise. To create the AND coincidence, both XBPF Frontend and VFC Back-end FPGAs need to be reprogrammed and tested. The resulting particle detector is evaluated and compared to existing systems

Microgravity facilities for cold atom experiments

Microgravity platforms enable cold atom research beyond experiments in typical laboratories by removing restrictions due to the gravitational acceleration or compensation techniques. While research in space allows for undisturbed experimentation, technological readiness, availability and accessibility present challenges for experimental operation. In this work we focus on the main capabilities and unique features of ground-based microgravity facilities for cold atom research. A selection of current and future scientific opportunities and their high demands on the microgravity environment are presented, and some relevant ground-based facilities are discussed and compared. Specifically, we point out the applicable free fall times, repetition rates, stability and payload capabilities, as well as programmatic and operational aspects of these facilities. These are contrasted with the requirements of various cold atom experiments. Besides being an accelerator for technology development, ground-based microgravity facilities allow fundamental and applied research with the additional benefit of enabling hands-on access to the experiment for modifications and adjustments