Data Processing Electronics for Silicon Photomultipliers

The DOE Office of Nuclear Physics (NP) seeks developments in detector instrumentation electronics. Grant applications are sought to develop circuits (including firmware) and systems, for rapidly processing data from particle detectors: gas detectors, scintillation counters, silicon drift chambers, silicon pixel and strip detectors, or silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs)). Our electronics will provide several features needed for the SiPM readout and data processing. Statement of how this problem or situation is being addressed. We will develop high-performance data acquisition electronics targeting the SiPM readout. The electronics can be used either standalone, or as parts of large data acquisition systems. What is to be done in Phase I. We will develop a proof of principle of cost effective digital data acquisition electronics with SiPM- specific features. We will choose the components and solutions for building high-performance, high- density waveform digitizers for the Silicon Photomultiplier devices. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits. Future applications will include Nuclear Physics, High Energy Physics, Astrophysics, Homeland Security, and education. Public will benefit through electronics that will be more flexible and cheaper than current electronics. Key Words. Provide listing of key words that describe this effort. Nuclear Physics, High Energy Physics, Silicon Photomultipliers, SiPM, data acquisition, digital pulse processing, digital signal processing, DSP, field-programmable gate arrays, FPGA, embedded Linux, Ethernet networking. Summary for Members of Congress. This project will advance digital signal processing electronics which supports development of technologies essential to experiments in Nuclear Physics. Future applications of our products will also include basic science, astrophysics, Homeland Security, and education.