Pion Detection Using Single Photon Avalanche Diodes

Area of Science:

• Particle Physics
• Semiconductor Technology
• Radiation Detection

Background:

• Single Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) are sensitive detectors.
• CMOS technology offers potential for scalable and cost-effective detector arrays.
• Detecting minimally ionizing particles requires highly sensitive detection methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first use of a CMOS-compatible SPAD array for detecting high-energy charged particles.
• To evaluate the performance of CMOS SPADs in identifying pions.
• To demonstrate the utility of CMOS SPADs for a broader range of ionizing radiation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a CMOS-compatible SPAD array.
• Employed the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) at CERN for particle acceleration.
• Tested detection of 120 GeV pions, which are minimally ionizing particles.

Main Results:

• Successfully detected incident high-energy pions at 120 GeV.
• Confirmed the capability of CMOS SPAD arrays to register minimally ionizing particles.
• Demonstrated that CMOS SPADs can complement existing radiation detection methods.

Conclusions:

• CMOS-compatible SPAD arrays are effective for detecting high-energy charged particles.
• This technology expands the application range of SPADs in particle physics and radiation monitoring.
• The findings pave the way for advanced, integrated radiation detection systems.