Active Pixel Arrays for High-Resolution Tracking

High-resolution tracking detectors based on Active Pixel Sensor (APS) technology have been valuable tools in Nuclear Physics and High-Energy Physics research, and have contributed to major discoveries. However, their integration time, radiation length and readout rate is a limiting factor for the planed luminosity upgrades for future collider-based experiments. This project will demonstrate and develop high-gain, high-resolution tracking detector arrays with faster readout and shorter radiation length than APS arrays. The new arrays may operate as direct charged particle detectors or as readouts of high resolution scintillating fiber arrays. Their intrinsic gain, and high immunity to surface and moisture damage, will allow these detectors to operate with minimal packaging/passivation requirements and will result in a radiation length superior to APS. Phase I will involve the design and fabrication of arrays with micronic position resolution and submicrosecond readout rate. 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 detector for Nuclear Physics and High-Energy Physics research. Other applications include space-based earth observation, X-ray telescopes, PET, neutron imaging, fine grained calorimetry, space science (star trackers, particle physics), biology (electron microscopy, single molecule detection in high yield sequencing), medicine (mammography, X-ray imaging), and security (muon tomography, night vision surveillance).