Radiation hard optical links for the ATLAS SCT and pixel detectors

Abstract

A radiation hard optical readout system designed for the ATLAS Semiconductor Tracker (SCT) is described. Two independent versions of the front-end optical package housing two VCSEL emitters and an epitaxial Si PIN photodiode have been irradiated with neutron fluences over 10(15) n cm(-2), the level encountered in the ATLAS pixel detector. Environmental tests have been performed down to -20 degreesC. Extensive radiation and lifetime tests have also been carried out on the opto-electronic components and the front-end VCSEL driver and timing/ control ASICs. Bit error rate, cross-talk and single event upset measurements using irradiated devices show that the system meets the performance specification