Instruments

17 pages, 16277 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Performance Assessment of a SiPM-Based Muon Detector

by Luigi Cimmino, Fabio Ambrosino, Antonio Anastasio, Carla Aramo, Vincenzo Bottiglieri, David Iacopini, Vincenzo Masone, Marco Mirra, Gabor Nyitrai, Leopoldo Repola, Giulio Saracino and Vincenzo Tramontano

Instruments 2026, 10(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments10020027 - 5 May 2026

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Abstract

We present the upgrade and performance evaluation of a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM)-based muon detector, originally designed and developed 15 years ago for radiation tracking applications in radiographic imaging with cosmic muons. The first use of the original assembly and scientific objectives of the [...] Read more.

We present the upgrade and performance evaluation of a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM)-based muon detector, originally designed and developed 15 years ago for radiation tracking applications in radiographic imaging with cosmic muons. The first use of the original assembly and scientific objectives of the detector was in the Mu-Ray project of the Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) for muon radiographic imaging of volcanoes. In addition to its initial uses and after being upgraded with Hamamatsu SiPMs, the detector has been employed in a series of measurement campaigns for the detection of underground cavities. Herein we describe the mechanical recovery process and the integration of modern electronic components aimed at extending the operational capabilities of the detector, with particular attention to the adaptation of the front-end electronics to a new DAQ system. The results of the detector’s characterization and calibration under controlled conditions will be presented, evaluating its current performance and suitability for muography applications in a new geophysical setting. The results confirm that, despite aging, the system remains a viable instrument for precision and reliable muon tracking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Particle Detectors and Accelerators)

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31 pages, 2673 KB

Open AccessReview

Electrode Configurations for Electrical Bioimpedance-Based Pulse Wave Signal Acquisition: A Narrative Review

by Margus Metshein

Instruments 2026, 10(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments10020026 - 3 May 2026

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Abstract

The pulsatile modulation of arterial blood carries essential information about the cardiovascular system and cardiac function—information that can be extracted through appropriate signal-processing algorithms. As wearable technologies are increasingly integrated into everyday life, measurement methods are required to be non-invasive and compact in [...] Read more.

The pulsatile modulation of arterial blood carries essential information about the cardiovascular system and cardiac function—information that can be extracted through appropriate signal-processing algorithms. As wearable technologies are increasingly integrated into everyday life, measurement methods are required to be non-invasive and compact in scale. Electrical bioimpedance (EBI) methods meet these wearability criteria well; however, they introduce uncertainties associated with the electrode–skin interface. This paper presents a targeted overview of electrode configurations for EBI-based pulse wave signal acquisition, focusing on non-invasive solutions suitable for wearable devices. Electrode configurations are examined with respect to major peripheral arteries in the human body that are accessible at the skin surface and suitable for regional impedance cardiography. The review includes a carefully selected set of references, drawing on both research literature and patent descriptions, and discusses the primary differences in how electrode configurations are presented across these sources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Instrumentation and Measurement Methods for Industry 4.0 and IoT)

12 pages, 2330 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Helium Ion Linear Accelerator Optimised for Astatine Production

by Maurizio Vretenar, Alessandra Lombardi and Lazar Nikitovic

Instruments 2026, 10(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments10020025 - 2 May 2026

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Abstract

This paper presents the design of a linear accelerator optimised for the production of astatine-211, one of the most effective theragnostics isotopes for targeted alpha therapy of cancer (TAT). When attached to a carrier molecule that selectively binds to cancer cells, this powerful [...] Read more.

This paper presents the design of a linear accelerator optimised for the production of astatine-211, one of the most effective theragnostics isotopes for targeted alpha therapy of cancer (TAT). When attached to a carrier molecule that selectively binds to cancer cells, this powerful alpha emitter enables highly localised cell damage. The 11 m long linac is designed to accelerate an average current of up to 2 mA of fully stripped helium ions to 28.4 MeV, the energy required for

^{211}

At production on a bismuth target. The accelerator comprises an alpha particle source, a compact Radio Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ), and a Quasi-Alvarez Drift Tube Linac (QA-DTL). Compared with conventional cyclotron-based solutions, the proposed design provides higher beam current for increased isotope yield, together with reduced beam losses and activation. In addition, compared with a standard Drift Tube Linac (DTL) configuration, the adoption of a QA-DTL structure enables more compact dimensions and improved power efficiency. Full article

16 pages, 1736 KB

Open AccessArticle

Systematic Characterisation and Non-Linear Response Correction of SiPMs Using the Single-Step Method for High-Precision Calorimetry

by Lukas Brinkmann, Massimiliano Antonello, Erika Garutti and Joern Schwandt

Instruments 2026, 10(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments10020024 - 24 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) are vital for calorimetric applications in high-energy physics and medical imaging due to their high gain, compactness, and insensitivity to magnetic fields. However, their finite pixel count induces non-linear response behaviour at high photon fluxes, affecting energy resolution and systematic [...] Read more.

Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) are vital for calorimetric applications in high-energy physics and medical imaging due to their high gain, compactness, and insensitivity to magnetic fields. However, their finite pixel count induces non-linear response behaviour at high photon fluxes, affecting energy resolution and systematic accuracy. This work presents a comprehensive methodology to characterise SiPM response functions and derive correction curves using a single-step laser-based measurement approach. Three SiPMs with varying pixel sizes ([list-final-separator= and , list-units = single]15;25;50

m

) are studied under controlled temperature conditions, with response functions extracted across different overvoltages and integration windows. The correction method, independent of precise light source calibration, effectively linearises the response up to saturation levels exceeding

100

of the pixel count, achieving deviations of the order of

3

across a broad operational parameter space, and outperforming the traditional calibration model. The analysis demonstrates minimal dependence of the correction on temperature, overvoltage, and pixel size, indicating universal applicability. These findings enhance SiPM performance in high-energy calorimetry and offer a practical framework for improving detector linearity and dynamic range extensions in large-scale applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silicon Photomultiplier-Based Systems for Particle and Radiation Detection)

21 pages, 12325 KB

Open AccessArticle

Wireless Instrumented Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) for Gait Cycle Monitoring

by Soufiane Mahraoui and Mauro Serpelloni

Instruments 2026, 10(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments10020023 - 22 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Ankle–foot orthoses (AFOs) are widely used in the rehabilitation of patients with neurological or musculoskeletal disorders. However, treatment outcomes may be influenced by incorrect use of the device or by inappropriate orthosis selection. Since many types of AFOs are available, differing in materials, [...] Read more.

Ankle–foot orthoses (AFOs) are widely used in the rehabilitation of patients with neurological or musculoskeletal disorders. However, treatment outcomes may be influenced by incorrect use of the device or by inappropriate orthosis selection. Since many types of AFOs are available, differing in materials, stiffness, and geometry, an objective evaluation tool can support clinical decision-making. This work presents the design, development, and characterization of an instrumented AFO able to quantify relevant gait parameters in an objective way. The proposed device integrates three measurement modalities in a compact wearable structure. Two longitudinal strain gauges estimate ankle plantar- and dorsiflexion angles. Two force-sensitive elements detect foot–ground contact and allow identification of stance and swing phases of the gait cycle. A single inertial measurement unit (IMU) is used to measure lateral shank inclination. The strain-gauge-based angle estimation was validated against a gold-standard motion capture system, achieving a root mean square error of approximately 1.6 degrees and showing higher accuracy than the IMU for plantar/dorsiflexion measurement, while maintaining a simple electronic architecture. The force sensors were validated using a force platform and demonstrated reliable detection of loading and unloading events. Monitoring lateral inclination through the single IMU provides additional information related to balance and potential fall risk. Data are transmitted via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to a custom Python-based application for real-time visualization and recording. Overall, the results validate the electronic instrumentation and demonstrate reliable system performance, indicating that the proposed instrumented AFO represents a promising platform for objective gait assessment and future clinical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Instrumentation and Measurement Methods for Industry 4.0 and IoT)

15 pages, 5175 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Characterization of a Low-Current Compact Extraction and Matching System for a High-Frequency RFQ in Medical Applications

by Aristeidis Mamaras, Francesco Di Lorenzo, Alessandra Lombardi, Eleonora Pasino and Dimitrios Sampsonidis

Instruments 2026, 10(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments10020022 - 6 Apr 2026

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Abstract

A low-current compact extraction and matching system has been designed and experimentally tested to evaluate its capability for direct proton injection of 15 keV into a 750 MHz radiofrequency quadrupole for medical applications. The design methodology combined 2D and 3D layouts, supported by [...] Read more.

A low-current compact extraction and matching system has been designed and experimentally tested to evaluate its capability for direct proton injection of 15 keV into a 750 MHz radiofrequency quadrupole for medical applications. The design methodology combined 2D and 3D layouts, supported by detailed electrostatic simulations. First experimental results are reported, including beam current characterization and irradiation measurements under varying operating conditions. These results are benchmarked against simulation data to provide a preliminary evaluation of system performance. Ongoing efforts focus on extending the experimental campaign to consolidate these findings. A comparative study with a gridded-lens-based extraction and transport system is also being conducted to achieve reliable matching of high-quality beams to high-frequency RFQs for clinical implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Compact Accelerators)

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17 pages, 20220 KB

Open AccessArticle

Observational Technological Innovations and Future Development of the Lijiang Coronagraph

by Xuefei Zhang, Yu Liu, Tengfei Song, Mingyu Zhao, Xiaobo Li, Mingzhe Sun, Feiyang Sha and Xiande Liu

Instruments 2026, 10(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments10020021 - 3 Apr 2026

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Abstract

As a core ground-based coronal observation facility in the low-latitude and high-altitude regions of China, the Lijiang Coronagraph takes advantage of the natural endowments of the Lijiang Astronomical Observation Station, such as an altitude of 3200 m and low atmospheric turbulence. It has [...] Read more.

As a core ground-based coronal observation facility in the low-latitude and high-altitude regions of China, the Lijiang Coronagraph takes advantage of the natural endowments of the Lijiang Astronomical Observation Station, such as an altitude of 3200 m and low atmospheric turbulence. It has gone through a complete development process from introduction through Chinese–Japanese cooperation to independent innovation and iteration. This paper systematically summarizes the core technological innovation achievements of this facility, including the upgrade of the automatic operating system, the integration of the dual-band observation system, the stray light suppression technology based on the image difference method before and after cleaning, and the high-precision image calibration and registration technology. These innovations have significantly improved observation efficiency and data quality, laying a solid foundation for high-quality observations. At the scientific research level, the observation data reveal that 1.1 R_⊙ (solar radius) is a highly correlated region between coronal green line brightness and magnetic field intensity. This study also confirms a strong correlation between the coronal green line and the SDO/AIA 211 Å extreme ultraviolet band (correlation coefficient: 0.89–0.99), which can support the research on early warning of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs). These achievements provide key data support for the verification of coronal heating mechanisms and the exploration of the origin of the slow solar wind. The technical experience accumulated from the Lijiang Coronagraph has not only laid a solid foundation for the research and development of China’s next-generation large-aperture coronagraphs, but also facilitated and accelerated substantial progress in China’s technical capabilities for low coronal observation, enabling the country to establish internationally parallel competitive capabilities in this field. This system has also become an important part of the global coronal observation network. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Instruments for Astroparticle Physics)

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13 pages, 2948 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cyclotron Production and Purification of ⁸³Sr as a ⁹⁰Sr Substitute for Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

by Marcel Lindemann, Jann Schöngart, Jan Štursa and Karsten Franke

Instruments 2026, 10(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments10020020 - 30 Mar 2026

Viewed by 542

Abstract

Radioactive contaminations in soil, which originate from nuclear power production, nuclear weapon testing, or uncontrolled release, are of great environmental concern. One of the major fission product contaminants is ⁹⁰Sr, whose high mobility demands a method to track contamination pathways and remediation [...] Read more.

Radioactive contaminations in soil, which originate from nuclear power production, nuclear weapon testing, or uncontrolled release, are of great environmental concern. One of the major fission product contaminants is ⁹⁰Sr, whose high mobility demands a method to track contamination pathways and remediation processes. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a valuable tool for the required studies. As a β⁻/γ-emitter, ⁹⁰Sr is not suitable for PET, which requires β⁺-emitters. As an alternative, ⁸³Sr, with a 12% intensity of β⁺-emission and a half-life of 32.4 h, is an appropriate PET substitute for ⁹⁰Sr. We produced ⁸³Sr with an enriched target of [⁸⁵Rb]RbCl in a ⁸⁵Rb(p,3n)⁸³Sr reaction. The target material was bombarded with 36.22 MeV protons (ø 1.78 µA, 315 min), at a solid target station at the cyclotron U-120M (NPI CAS). The irradiated target (1.5 GBq) was dissolved in water, evaporated to dryness, redissolved in nitric acid, and transferred onto a Sr-selective cartridge (Sr-SpecTM, TRISKEM, France). Following target material wash out, ⁸³Sr elution with water, solvent evaporation, and reformulation (in dilute nitric acid) yielded 1.2 GBq (82% radiochemical extraction efficiency, non-decay-corrected) of an ⁸³Sr-solution. The easy and fast method is able to produce non-carrier-added ⁸³Sr with high radionuclidic purity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 16th Workshop of the European Network of Research Cyclotrons (CYCLEUR 2025))

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20 pages, 13968 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Characterization of the POKERINO Prototype for the POKER/NA64 Experiment at CERN

by Andrei Antonov, Pietro Bisio, Mariangela Bondì, Andrea Celentano, Anna Marini and Luca Marsicano

Instruments 2026, 10(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments10020019 - 27 Mar 2026

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Abstract

The NA64 experiment at the CERN H4 beamline recently started a high-energy positron-beam program to search for light dark matter particles through a thick-target, missing-energy measurement. To fulfill the energy resolution requirement of the physics measurement [...] Read more.

The NA64 experiment at the CERN H4 beamline recently started a high-energy positron-beam program to search for light dark matter particles through a thick-target, missing-energy measurement. To fulfill the energy resolution requirement of the physics measurement

σ_{E} / E ≃ 2.5 % / \sqrt{E [GeV]} \oplus 0.5 %

and cope with the constraints and performance requests of the NA64 setup, a new high-resolution homogeneous electromagnetic calorimeter PKR-CAL has been designed. The detector is based on PbWO₄ crystals, each read by multiple SiPM sensors to maximize the light collection. The PKR-CAL design has been optimized to mitigate and control unavoidable SiPM saturation effects at high light levels, as well as to minimize the gain fluctuations induced by instantaneous variations of the H4 beam intensity. The R&D program culminated in the construction of a small-scale prototype, POKERINO. In this work, we present the results from the experimental characterization campaign of the POKERINO, aiming at demonstrating that the obtained performances are compatible with the application requirements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silicon Photomultiplier-Based Systems for Particle and Radiation Detection)

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Instruments, Volume 10, Issue 2 (June 2026) – 9 articles

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