International Linear Collider Pixel Array Vertex Detector Development

During the past century, physicists have explored subatomic particles in an attempt to understand the fundamental components of the universe, explain the origin of mass, and probe the possibility of an extra-dimensional universe. To advance these explorations, scientists from around the world are working together to develop the International Linear Collider (ILC). ILC applications will require detectors with very low mass (100 KRad), and high spatial resolution in three dimensions (< 5 microns/hit in x, y). The current generation of hybrid particle detectors available for the ILC falls well short of these requirements. To address this need, this project will develop prototype vertex detectors with full CMOS support circuitry. The successful accomplishment of this research will lead to improvements in detector speed, radiation hardness, size, and sensitivity. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Beyond the area of high energy physics, the detector technology should have applications in biomedical technology, X-ray astronomy, X-ray imaging and spectroscopy, and homeland security.