WHISPER: Waveform-based High-speed Intelligent Signal Processing for Enhanced Readout

Statement of the problem or situation that is being addressed throughout Phase I portion of your proposal: The available density in modern fast photonic sensor arrays, such as MCP-PMTs, MA-PMTs, LAPPDs, and SiPMs is not limited by the sensor technology itself, but rather by the availability of cost-effective read-out electronics. High precision spatial and timing measurements in next generation detectors will require the development of circuitry to collect signals over channel counts that may exceed 100,000. High density sensors not only have the challenge of coupling signals from their detectors but also transferring said signals to backend readout electronics. With traditional methods this can result in an untenable amount of cable routing. Additionally, the need to transition very small signals over large distances also impacts the fidelity of said signals since they are then exposed to interference from a variety of sources (EMI, cross-talk, thermal, etc). General statement of how this problem is being addressed: An improved approach would be to place readout electronics at the detector itself, coupled with radiation-hardened processing electronics. Based on our experience, we propose to develop a system with the aim of creating a high-channel count readout module, with picosecond resolution, for use with many of the detector systems favored by the NNSA community today. In addition to this we propose a system that could be scalable for use by detector systems of varying size and channel count. What is to be done in Phase I: During Phase I, the project will concentrate on establishing concept feasibility by developing electronics which incorporate our existing previously developed custom microelectronics components capable of reading, interfacing, and measuring the performance of dense pixelated detectors like the latest PMT and SiPM arrays. Phase I results will demonstrate the feasibility of a high channel count, high spatial accuracy readout system for modern high speed photodetectors and will inform the architecture decision process of a Phase II design and development effort. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: This device can be used by scientists in high energy and nuclear physics experiments for accurate readout of high channel count pixelated photodetectors. Also, it has applications in general purpose instrumentations and medical/PET imaging, possibly bundled with sensing devices (photomultipliers). We anticipate being able to sell the device as an OEM manufacturer, provide associated design services or license it to a larger device manufacturer due to the low cost and low power nature of the design which will give us a competitive edge.