An efficient, movable single-particle detector for use in cryogenic ultra-high vacuum environments

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Instrument Development
• Vacuum Technology

Background:

• Development of advanced particle detectors is crucial for modern physics experiments.
• Existing detectors may not meet stringent requirements for cryogenic and ultra-high vacuum environments.
• The Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik (MPIK) requires specialized instrumentation for its Cryogenic Storage Ring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a compact, efficient single-particle counting detector for keV/u ions.
• To integrate this detector with a movable translation stage for versatile experimental setups.
• To ensure the system is compatible with ultra-high vacuum and cryogenic conditions.

Main Methods:

• Design and construction of a single-particle detector using non-magnetic, vacuum-compatible materials.
• Integration with a long-stroke mechanical translation stage.
• Operational testing at temperatures down to approximately 10 K.
• Characterization of particle detection efficiency.

Main Results:

• A compact and highly efficient single-particle counting detector for keV/u ions was successfully developed.
• The detector and translation mechanics demonstrated reliable operation at temperatures as low as ~10 K.
• The system is fully compatible with ultra-high vacuum requirements and bakeable at high temperatures.
• Functional tests confirmed the suitability for the Cryogenic Storage Ring application.

Conclusions:

• The developed detector system meets the technical demands of the Cryogenic Storage Ring.
• The compact, efficient, and robust design makes it suitable for sensitive ion detection experiments.
• Further characterization of particle detection efficiency validates its performance for scientific applications.