Spatially resolved online particle detector using scintillators for laser-driven particle sources
1Technische Universität Darmstadt, Department of Physics, Institut für Kernphysik, Schlossgartenstr. 9, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|October 2, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed a compact particle tracker using scintillators for laser-based accelerators. This detector offers high spatial resolution and fast readout, enabling efficient online analysis of laser-accelerated ions.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Particle Accelerators
- Detector Technology
Background:
- Laser-based particle acceleration has advanced significantly, necessitating faster, multi-use detection methods.
- Current detection systems require upgrades to match the increased repetition rates of modern laser systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an online compact particle tracker for laser-accelerated particles.
- To detail the design, construction, and performance of a novel scintillator-based detector.
Main Methods:
- Developed a detector using pixellated scintillators embedded in an absorber matrix.
- Utilized fiber optics to couple scintillator pixels to a camera system for online readout.
- Calibrated the detector using a radioactive source.
Main Results:
- Achieved a spatial resolution of 3.6 × 3.6 mm² over the active area.
- Demonstrated nine resolvable energy levels for particle detection.
- Acquired initial experimental data from laser-accelerated ions at the PHELIX laser facility.
Conclusions:
- The developed compact tracker is suitable for online monitoring of laser-accelerated particles.
- The detector's performance meets the demands of high-repetition-rate laser accelerator systems.
- This technology facilitates efficient data acquisition and analysis in laser-driven particle acceleration research.
