ELFT HÍRADÓ

[Janos Asboth <asboth.janos AT wigner.mta.hu>]

*WIGNER SZFI Seminar*
*Detectors and electronics for neutron detection at the NMX instrument of
the European Spallation Source ERIC (ESS)*

*Patrik Thunier*
CERN (host: Markó Márton)

Tuesday, 3 July 2018 10:00, KFKI Campus, Bldg. 1, 2nd floor, Conference Room

Neutron detectors based on solid converters in combination with Micro
Pattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs) are a promising option for neutron
scattering instruments at the European Spallation Source ERIC that require
excellent spatial resolution combined with time resolution, high-rate
capabilities and a good neutron detection efficiency.

The NMX macromolecular diffractometer will consist of three individual
Gaseous Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors mounted on robotic arms to
allow positioning of the detectors in an optimal manner. The detectors will
have an active area of about 50 x 50 cm² each, with a gadolinium cathode
acting as neutron converter. They are designed to minimize the dead area
within the detector volume as well as the space between the individual
detectors when placed in close proximity to each other.

Each NMX detector is designed to be a stand-alone device with all services
(gas, powering, cooling, read-out electronics,…) attached to its case in a
way such that the fully integrated system can be moved freely throughout
operation.

The RD51 Collaboration has developed a multi-purpose and versatile readout
system that can be scaled from a single laboratory detector to LHC-like
experiments: The Scalable Readout System (SRS). Different frontend ASICs
have been implemented in the SRS so far, with the APV25 as the current
state-of-the-art chip used by many groups and for experiments upgrade R&D.
There is a strong interest of many R&D and detector groups to use the VMM
ASIC developed for the ATLAS New Small Wheel with the SRS for their
applications.

Within the BrightnESS project, the VMM is implemented in the SRS to read
out the prototype GEM based neutron detector for the NMX instrument. New
FPGA firmware, dedicated hardware and software is under development.

A full-scale demonstrator detector was designed and is currently under
construction to prove that GEM-based neutron detectors with
state-of-the-art electronics meet the experimental requirements for
high-flux thermal neutron detectors installed at the NMX instrument at ESS.

The current status of the developments, capabilities of the SRS based VMM
read-out and latest results will be presented.



Everyone is welcome to attend.

János Asbóth
szfi-seminar AT wigner.mta.hu