Miniaturized USB-powered multi-channel module for gamma spectroscopy and imaging.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear instrumentation
• Radiation detection and measurement

Background:

• Compact gamma-ray detectors require advanced readout systems for high-resolution spectroscopy and position sensitivity.
• Miniaturization is crucial for portable and integrated radiation detection applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate LAILA, a miniaturized eight-channel electronic readout system for compact gamma-ray detectors.
• To achieve high-resolution spectroscopy and position sensitivity in a compact form factor.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a novel CMOS front-end ASIC for analog processing of Silicon PhotoMultiplier (SiPM) signals.
• Integrated a microcontroller-based data acquisition system for data handling.
• Implemented automatic gain regulation in the gated-integrator stage for an 84 dB dynamic range.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated single-photon sensitivity and an extended input photon energy range (20 keV-4 MeV).
• Achieved 3% energy resolution at 662 keV using 144 SiPM pixels coupled to a lanthanum bromide crystal.
• Obtained 1 cm spatial resolution in estimating interaction coordinates.

Conclusions:

• The LAILA system successfully integrates high-resolution spectroscopy and position sensitivity into a compact electronic readout.
• The developed system enables precise gamma-ray detection over an extended energy range with excellent spatial resolution.