Detection of atomic and molecular mega-electron-volt projectiles using an x-ray charged coupled device camera

Area of Science:

• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Particle Detection Technology
• Accelerator Science

Background:

• Current particle detectors have limitations in detecting high-energy atomic and molecular projectiles.
• Existing methods for studying high-velocity molecular dissociation are insufficient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of X-ray charge-coupled devices (CCDs) as particle detectors for mega-electron-volt (MeV) projectiles.
• To enhance the detection capabilities of CCDs for molecular species in high-energy applications.
• To explore new avenues for studying high-velocity molecular dissociation.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing X-ray CCDs to detect atomic and molecular projectiles in the mega-electron-volt (MeV) energy range.
• Performing kinetic energy measurements on atomic species using CCDs.
• Implementing a thin foil in front of the CCD to pre-dissociate molecular projectiles.
• Analyzing charge distribution across CCD pixels to mitigate saturation effects.

Main Results:

• X-ray CCDs demonstrate comparable linearity and energy resolution to traditional silicon particle detectors for atomic species.
• The proposed thin foil method effectively increases the maximum kinetic energy detection limit for molecular projectiles.
• Saturation effects are minimized in molecular detection by spreading charges over multiple CCD pixels.

Conclusions:

• X-ray CCDs offer a viable and effective alternative for particle detection of MeV atomic and molecular projectiles.
• The integration of a thin foil significantly advances the capability to study high-velocity molecular dissociation.
• This research opens new possibilities for molecular dynamics research at accelerator facilities.