High-Gain Active Pixel Sensors for High-Resolution Tracking

78147S High-resolution tracking detectors based on silicon CCDs and Active Pixel Sensor (APS) arrays have been valuable tools in Nuclear Physics research, and have contributed to major discoveries. APS mega pixel arrays for fine granularity tracking have already demonstrated advantages over CCDs, such as optimized readout, reset, and digitization at pixel level. Nonetheless, their readout and digitization rate is still a limiting factor for the planed luminosity upgrades in nuclear and high-energy physics collider-based experiments. This program will investigate novel, high-gain, high-resolution tracking APS silicon detectors with faster readout, compatible with flip-chip interconnect techniques, resulting in a short radiation length along the charged particle track. Their intrinsic gain, along with high immunity to surface damage and moisture, will make these detectors suitable for operation in high radiation fields. Phase I will develop prototype, high-resolution CMOS active pixel sensor arrays with integrated readout, reset and digitized output at pixel level. Specifically, APS arrays with 100% detection efficiency, micronic positional resolution, and sub-microsecond readout rate will be designed and fabricated. The detector structure and bonding methods will be compatible with low radiation length packaging, and the timing, track detection efficiency, noise, and radiation hardness will be characterized. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: High-resolution tracking arrays coupled to large arrays of scintillating fibers should enable a high performance, cost effective tool for Nuclear Physics and High-Energy Physics research. Extended applications include low-level imaging for scientific, security applications, and fast imaging.