Geiger Photodiode Array Readouts for Scintillating Fiber Arrays

72725-Scintillating and wavelength shifting fibers have increasingly demonstrated advantages over traditional radiation detection/tracking for high energy and nuclear physics research. High internal gain optical detector arrays, operated at bias voltages compatible with CMOS, may eliminate cumbersome electronics, magnetic shielding, high voltage power supplies, and expensive cable plant that are encountered in traditional photo multiplier detection systems used to readout scintillating fiber beds. This project will develop high reliability Geiger photodiode photon counting arrays, based on a high-volume CMOS manufacturing process that has integrated interface electronics, simplified plant hardware, and a capability to read out arrays of scintillating fibers of various sizes. Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of compact arrays of scintillating fiber readouts with superior detection efficiency, improved counting rate, superior timing resolution, and parallel readout. Array operation and performance were demonstrated on a cosmic ray setup. Additionally, reliability was confirmed over an equivalent one-year of operation with no infant mortality. In Phase II, improved multi-channel photon counting modules exceeding 95% detection efficiency will be developed to read out large arrays of scintillating fibers. The modules will have integrated signal conditioning electronics and tracking or calorimetric capability. Reliability testing will yield accurate prediction of operation lifetime and will determine burn-in procedures. Prototype modules will be delivered to the end-user for integration into a laboratory test bed. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: GPD arrays coupled to large arrays of scintillating fibers should have applications in many high-energy physics and nuclear physics experiments. Arrays with similar requirements to those of scintillating fiber readout systems also may play a central role in Cherenkov effect particle identification devices, neutron tracking and neutron imaging applications, muon-based tomography, nuclear threat assessment, and national security. They should also find applications in biomedical and bio sensors using fluorescent markers.