Instruments

20 pages, 6994 KB

Open AccessArticle

Design of Spectrometer Energy Measurement Setups for the Future EuPRAXIA@SPARC_LAB and SSRIP Linacs

by Danilo Quartullo, David Alesini, Alessandro Cianchi, Francesco Demurtas, Luigi Faillace, Giovanni Franzini, Andrea Ghigo, Anna Giribono, Riccardo Pompili, Lucia Sabbatini, Angelo Stella, Cristina Vaccarezza, Alessandro Vannozzi and Livio Verra

Instruments 2025, 9(4), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments9040034 - 17 Dec 2025

Viewed by 71

Abstract

EuPRAXIA@SPARC_LAB is an FEL (Free-Electron Laser) user facility currently under construction at INFN-LNF in the framework of the EuPRAXIA collaboration. The electron beam will be accelerated to 1 GeV by an X-band RF linac followed by a plasma wakefield acceleration stage. This high-brightness [...] Read more.

EuPRAXIA@SPARC_LAB is an FEL (Free-Electron Laser) user facility currently under construction at INFN-LNF in the framework of the EuPRAXIA collaboration. The electron beam will be accelerated to 1 GeV by an X-band RF linac followed by a plasma wakefield acceleration stage. This high-brightness linac requires diagnostic devices able to measure the beam parameters with high accuracy and resolution. To monitor the beam energy and its spread, magnetic dipoles and quadrupoles will be installed along the linac, in combination with viewing screens and CMOS cameras. Macroparticle beam dynamics simulations have been performed to determine the optimal energy measurement setup in terms of accuracy and resolution. Similar diagnostics evaluations have been carried out for the spectrometer installed at the 100 MeV RF linac of the radioactive beam facility SSRIP (IFIN-HH, Romania), whose commissioning, foreseen for 2026, will be performed by INFN-LNF in collaboration with IFIN-HH. Optics measurements have been performed to characterize the resolution and magnification of the optical system that will be used at SSRIP, and probably also at EuPRAXIA@SPARC_LAB, for beam energy monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 14th International Beam Instrumentation Conference (IBIC2025))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 2306 KB

Open AccessArticle

Deep-Learning-Based Bearing Fault Classification Using Vibration Signals Under Variable-Speed Conditions

by Luca Martiri, Parisa Esmaili, Andrea Moschetti and Loredana Cristaldi

Instruments 2025, 9(4), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments9040033 - 4 Dec 2025

Viewed by 427

Abstract

Predictive maintenance in industrial machinery relies on the timely detection of component faults to prevent costly downtime. Rolling bearings, being critical elements, are particularly prone to defects such as outer race faults and ball spin defects, which manifest as characteristic vibration patterns. In [...] Read more.

Predictive maintenance in industrial machinery relies on the timely detection of component faults to prevent costly downtime. Rolling bearings, being critical elements, are particularly prone to defects such as outer race faults and ball spin defects, which manifest as characteristic vibration patterns. In this study, we introduce a novel bearing vibration dataset collected on a testbench under both constant and variable rotational speeds (0–5000 rpm), encompassing healthy and faulty conditions. The dataset was used for failure classification and further enriched through feature engineering, resulting in input features that include raw acceleration, signal envelopes, and time- and frequency-domain statistical descriptors, which capture fault-specific signatures. To quantify prediction uncertainty, two different approaches are applied, providing confidence measures alongside model outputs. Our results demonstrate the progressive improvement of classification accuracy from 87.2% using only raw acceleration data to 99.3% with a CNN-BiLSTM (Convolutional Neural Network–Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory) ensemble and advanced features. Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP)-based explainability further validates the relevance of frequency-domain features for distinguishing fault types. The proposed methodology offers a robust and interpretable framework for industrial fault diagnosis, capable of handling both stationary and non-stationary operating conditions. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 25378 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

RF Characterization and Beam Measurements with Additively Manufactured Fast Faraday Cups

by Stephan Klaproth, Rahul Singh, Samira Gruber, Lukas Stepien, Herbert De Gersem and Andreas Penirschke

Instruments 2025, 9(4), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments9040032 - 28 Nov 2025

Viewed by 196

Abstract

The early stages of most particle accelerator chains produce sub-ns bunches with velocities in the range of 1% to 20% of the speed of light. Fast Faraday Cups (FFCs) are designed to measure the longitudinal charge distribution of these short bunches of free [...] Read more.

The early stages of most particle accelerator chains produce sub-ns bunches with velocities in the range of 1% to 20% of the speed of light. Fast Faraday Cups (FFCs) are designed to measure the longitudinal charge distribution of these short bunches of free charges. Coaxial designs have been utilized at the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research (GSI)’s linear accelerator UNILAC to characterize ion bunches with bunch lengths ranging from a few hundred ps to a few ns. The typical design goals are to avoid the pre-field of the charges and to suppress secondary electron emission (SEE) while preserving the capability of bunch-by-bunch measurements. This contribution presents a novel FFC design manufactured using additive manufacturing, e.g., laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), and compares it with a traditionally produced FFC. The article highlights the design process, RF characterization, and selected measurements with ion beam carried out at GSI. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 16047 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synchronous Biaxial Straining of Foils and Thin Films with In Situ Capabilities

by Michael Pegritz, Philipp Payer, Alice Lassnig, Stefan Wurster, Megan J. Cordill and Anton Hohenwarter

Instruments 2025, 9(4), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments9040031 - 26 Nov 2025

Viewed by 311

Abstract

A common method to examine the reliability of thin films and small volumes of irradiated materials being used in aerospace, energy, and protective coating applications is biaxial straining. With such tests, the fracture and deformation mechanisms occurring under multi-axial stress states can be [...] Read more.

A common method to examine the reliability of thin films and small volumes of irradiated materials being used in aerospace, energy, and protective coating applications is biaxial straining. With such tests, the fracture and deformation mechanisms occurring under multi-axial stress states can be investigated, which can strongly differ from the simpler uniaxial one. However, devices that can apply a precise and synchronously applied biaxial strain tend to be too large for foils or thin films and do not allow for additional observation methods to be applied to examine film fracture or deformation during the test. A prototype device that can apply synchronous equi-biaxial and semi-biaxial strains and can be combined with multiple in situ methods is introduced. The device is light and compact in design, which allows it to be mounted on optical light microscopes, atomic force microscopes, inside scanning electron microscopes, and even on X-ray beamlines for reflection or transmission measurements. Additionally, digital image correlation was utilized in two geometries to measure strains on a local or global level. The possible errors associated with the device and experiments on polyimide foils and a 100 nm tungsten film on polyimide are presented. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 1500 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Conceptual Study on the Implementation of NRTA for Industrial Applications

by Melissa Azzoune, Ludovic Mathieu, Ngoc Duy Trinh, Mourad Aïche, Laurence Villatte, Fabrice Piquemal, Lionel Tondut and Sylvain Pelletier

Instruments 2025, 9(4), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments9040030 - 26 Nov 2025

Viewed by 205

Abstract

Neutron Resonance Transmission Analysis (NRTA) is a non-destructive technique allowing the elemental and isotopic characterization of materials and objects. This study represents a first step toward understanding the NRTA technique and developing a novel compact system adapted for industrial applications. The industrial feasibility [...] Read more.

Neutron Resonance Transmission Analysis (NRTA) is a non-destructive technique allowing the elemental and isotopic characterization of materials and objects. This study represents a first step toward understanding the NRTA technique and developing a novel compact system adapted for industrial applications. The industrial feasibility of the NRTA was assessed by simulating a compact system using the Monte Carlo code MCNP 6.1. Neutron transmission spectra were generated for various metallic samples, ranging from 0.1 mm to 1 cm in thickness, and analyzed using a home-developed quantification method that incorporates nuclear cross sections from the ENDF/B-VIII.0 library and accounts for instrumental resolution. For this first study, an idealized configuration was considered, with a 0 µs pulsed neutron source and a Gaussian resolution function, to validate the methodology under a simple controlled condition. The results demonstrate that the areal densities of isotopes of Uranium and Plutonium can be determined with relative deviations below 10%, even under compact measurement conditions. This study validates the characterization method and represents a first step toward the continued development of an industrial NRTA prototype for rapid, non-destructive isotopic control of nuclear materials. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 11203 KB

Open AccessArticle

Designing a Femtosecond-Resolution Bunch Length Monitor Using Coherent Transition Radiation Images

by Ana Guisao-Betancur, Joseph Wolfenden, Erik Mansten, Sara Thorin, Johan Lundquist, Oliver Grimm and Carsten P. Welsch

Instruments 2025, 9(4), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments9040029 - 25 Nov 2025

Viewed by 282

Abstract

Ultrashort bunch length measurements are crucial for characterizing electron beams in short-pulse accelerators, including novel accelerators like EuPRAXIA and those used for free-electron lasers (FELs). This work provides an overview of the design process and the current status of a single-shot bunch length [...] Read more.

Ultrashort bunch length measurements are crucial for characterizing electron beams in short-pulse accelerators, including novel accelerators like EuPRAXIA and those used for free-electron lasers (FELs). This work provides an overview of the design process and the current status of a single-shot bunch length monitor prototype based on a broadband spatial imaging system for coherent transition radiation (CTR), which was recently installed at the MAX IV short-pulse facility (SPF). The THz-based imaging system was designed using optical system simulation software for full bunch simulation. CTR images were captured experimentally, followed by image analysis for comparison with reference bunch length data from the transverse deflecting cavity (TDC). This paper presents the conceptualization and design choices for the optical system of the bunch length monitor, the current experimental set-up, the installation details, and preliminary positive observations confirming the potential of this method as a novel approach to bunch length monitoring using spatial CTR images and a scalar technique, with potential for future bunch profile measurements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plasma Accelerator Technologies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 427 KB

Open AccessArticle

Geant4-Based Characterization of Muon, Electron, Photon, and Hadron Signals from Atmospheric Showers in a Water Cherenkov Detector

by Luiz Augusto Stuani Pereira and Raiff Hugo Santos

Instruments 2025, 9(4), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments9040028 - 24 Nov 2025

Viewed by 295

Abstract

Cherenkov radiation is a widely used detection mechanism in high-energy and astroparticle physics experiments, particularly in water-based detectors operated by leading cosmic-ray observatories. Its popularity stems from its robustness, cost-effectiveness, and high detection efficiency across a broad range of environmental conditions. In this [...] Read more.

Cherenkov radiation is a widely used detection mechanism in high-energy and astroparticle physics experiments, particularly in water-based detectors operated by leading cosmic-ray observatories. Its popularity stems from its robustness, cost-effectiveness, and high detection efficiency across a broad range of environmental conditions. In this study, we present a detailed Monte Carlo characterization of a Water Cherenkov Detector (WCD) using the Geant4 simulation toolkit as a general, experiment-independent reference for understanding detector responses to secondary cosmic-ray particles. The detector is modeled to register secondary particles produced by the interaction of high-energy cosmic-ray primaries with the Earth’s atmosphere, which give rise to extensive air showers composed of hadronic, electromagnetic, and muonic components capable of reaching ground level. By simulating the differential energy spectra and angular distributions of these particles at the surface, we evaluate the WCD response in terms of energy deposition, Cherenkov photon production, photoelectron generation at the photomultiplier tube, and the resulting charge spectra. The results establish a systematic and transferable baseline for detector performance characterization and particle identification, providing a physically grounded reference that can support calibration, trigger optimization, and analysis efforts across different WCD-based experiments. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 11210 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of a Low-Power Computer Vision-Based Positioning System for a Handheld Landmine Detector Using AprilTag Markers

by Adam D. Fletcher, Edward Cheadle, John Davidson, Daniel Conniffe, Frank Podd and Anthony J. Peyton

Instruments 2025, 9(4), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments9040027 - 7 Nov 2025

Viewed by 696

Abstract

A positioning system employing visual fiducial markers (AprilTags) has been implemented for use with handheld mine detection equipment. To be suitable for a battery-powered real-time application, the system has been designed to operate at low power (<100 mW) and frame rates between 30 [...] Read more.

A positioning system employing visual fiducial markers (AprilTags) has been implemented for use with handheld mine detection equipment. To be suitable for a battery-powered real-time application, the system has been designed to operate at low power (<100 mW) and frame rates between 30 and 50 fps. The system has been integrated into an experimental dual-mode detector system. Position-indexed metal detector and ground-penetrating radar data from laboratory and field trials are presented. The accuracy and precision of the vision-based system are found to be 1.2 cm and 0.5 cm, respectively. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 5498 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Broad Photon Energy Range Multi-Strip Imaging Array Based upon Single Crystal Diamond Schottky Photodiode

by Claudio Verona, Maurizio Angelone, Marco Marinelli and Gianluca Verona-Rinati

Instruments 2025, 9(4), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments9040026 - 28 Oct 2025

Viewed by 456

Abstract

A multi-strip detector made of synthetic single crystal diamond (SCD), based on a p-type/intrinsic diamond/Schottky metal transverse configuration and operating at zero bias voltage, was developed for imaging from extreme UV (EUV) to soft X-rays. The photodetector was patterned with 32 strips made [...] Read more.

A multi-strip detector made of synthetic single crystal diamond (SCD), based on a p-type/intrinsic diamond/Schottky metal transverse configuration and operating at zero bias voltage, was developed for imaging from extreme UV (EUV) to soft X-rays. The photodetector was patterned with 32 strips made of boron-doped diamond directly deposited, by means of the CVD technique and the standard lithographic technique, on top of the HPHT diamond growth substrate. The width of each strip and the gap between two adjacent strips were 100 μm and 20 μm, respectively. The strips were embedded in intrinsic SCD of an active area of 3.2 × 2.5 mm², also deposited using the CVD technique in a separate growing machine. In the present structure, the prototype photodetector is suitable for 1D imaging. However, all the dimensions above can be varied depending on the applications. The use of p-type diamond strips represents an attempt to mitigate the photoelectron emission from metal contacts, a non-negligible problem under EUV irradiation. The detector was tested with UV radiation and soft X-rays. To test the photodetector as an imaging device, a headboard (XDAS-DH) and a signal processing board (XDAS-SP) were used as front-end electronics. A standard XDAS software was used to acquire the experimental data. The results of the tests and the detector’s construction process are presented and discussed in the paper. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1037 KB

Open AccessArticle

Real-Time Dose Monitoring via Non-Destructive Charge Measurement of Laser-Driven Electrons for Medical Applications

by David Gregocki, Petra Köster, Luca Umberto Labate, Simona Piccinini, Federico Avella, Federica Baffigi, Gabriele Bandini, Fernando Brandi, Lorenzo Fulgentini, Daniele Palla, Martina Salvadori, Simon Gerasimos Vlachos and Leonida Antonio Gizzi

Instruments 2025, 9(4), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments9040025 - 23 Oct 2025

Viewed by 721

Abstract

Laser-accelerated electron beams, in the so-called Very High-Energy Electron (VHEE) energy range, are of great interest for biomedical applications. For instance, laser-driven VHEE beams are envisaged to offer suitable compact accelerators for the promising field of FLASH radiotherapy. Radiobiology experiments carried out using [...] Read more.

Laser-accelerated electron beams, in the so-called Very High-Energy Electron (VHEE) energy range, are of great interest for biomedical applications. For instance, laser-driven VHEE beams are envisaged to offer suitable compact accelerators for the promising field of FLASH radiotherapy. Radiobiology experiments carried out using laser-driven beams require the real-time knowledge of the dose delivered to the sample. We have developed an online dose monitoring procedure, using an Integrating Current Transformer (ICT) coupled to a suitable collimator, that allows the estimation of the delivered dose on a shot-to-shot basis under suitable assumptions. The cross-calibration of the measured charge with standard offline dosimetry measurements carried out with RadioChromic Films (RCFs) is discussed, demonstrating excellent correlation between the two measurements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plasma Accelerator Technologies)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1514 KB

Open AccessArticle

LBT Italia: Current Achievements and Future Directions

by Silvia Tosi, Ester Marini, Felice Cusano, Andrea Rossi, Roberto Speziali and Roberta Carini

Instruments 2025, 9(4), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments9040024 - 21 Oct 2025

Viewed by 694

Abstract

The Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) is a world-leading astronomical observatory, where the Italian partnership has played an important role in increasing the telescope’s productivity, both through an optimized observing strategy and through peer-reviewed publications that are well recognized by the international astronomical community. [...] Read more.

The Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) is a world-leading astronomical observatory, where the Italian partnership has played an important role in increasing the telescope’s productivity, both through an optimized observing strategy and through peer-reviewed publications that are well recognized by the international astronomical community. This manuscript provides an updated overview of the active and past instruments at LBT, together with key usage statistics. In particular, we analyze the operational performance recorded in the LBT Italia night logs during INAF’s observing time and assess the scientific impact of each instrument. Between 2014 and 2025, LBT Italia produced an average of 14 refereed publications per year, based on an annual average of 311 h of on-sky time. This corresponds to approximately 2.2 nights of telescope time per publication. The results of this analysis are placed in an international context to evaluate the competitiveness of LBT, and we outline future perspectives for scientific exploitation. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 7112 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Two-Plane Proton Radiography System Using ATLAS IBL Pixel-Detector Modules

by Hendrik Speiser, Claus Maximillian Bäcker, Johannes Esser, Alina Hild, Marco Iampieri, Ann-Kristin Lüvelsmeyer, Annsofie Tappe, Helen Thews, Kevin Kröninger and Jens Weingarten

Instruments 2025, 9(4), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments9040023 - 14 Oct 2025

Viewed by 636

Abstract

Accurate knowledge of a patient’s anatomy during every treatment fraction in proton therapy is an important prerequisite to ensure a correct dose deposition in the target volume. Adaptive proton therapy aims to detect those changes and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. One way [...] Read more.

Accurate knowledge of a patient’s anatomy during every treatment fraction in proton therapy is an important prerequisite to ensure a correct dose deposition in the target volume. Adaptive proton therapy aims to detect those changes and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. One way to trigger a daily re-planning of the treatment is to take a proton radiograph from the beam’s-eye view before the treatment to check for possible changes in the water equivalent thickness (WET) along the path due to daily changes in the patient’s anatomy. In this paper, the Two-Plane Imaging System (TPIS) is presented, comprising two ATLAS IBL silicon pixel-detector modules developed for the tracking detector of the ATLAS experiment at CERN. The prototype of the TPIS is described in detail, and proof-of-principle WET images are presented, of two-step phantoms and more complex phantoms with bone-like inlays (WET 10 to 40 mm). This study shows the capability of the TPIS to measure WET images with high precision. In addition, the potential of the TPIS to accurately determine WET changes over time down to 1 mm between subsequently taken WET images of a changing phantom is shown. This demonstrates the possible application of the TPIS and ATLAS IBL pixel-detector module in adaptive proton therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Applications of Particle Physics, 2nd Edition)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2493 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Radiological Dispersal Devices in Densely Populated Areas: Simulation and Emergency Response Planning

by Yassine El Khadiri, Ouadie Kabach, El Mahjoub Chakir and Mohamed Gouighri

Instruments 2025, 9(4), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments9040022 - 3 Oct 2025

Viewed by 1030

Abstract

The increasing threat of terrorism involving Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDDs) necessitates comprehensive evaluation and preparedness strategies, especially in densely populated public areas. This study aims to assess the potential consequences of RDD detonation, focusing on the effective doses received by individuals and the [...] Read more.

The increasing threat of terrorism involving Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDDs) necessitates comprehensive evaluation and preparedness strategies, especially in densely populated public areas. This study aims to assess the potential consequences of RDD detonation, focusing on the effective doses received by individuals and the ground deposition of radioactive materials in a hypothetical urban environment. Utilizing the HotSpot code, simulations were performed to model the dispersion patterns of ¹³⁷Cs and ²⁴¹Am under varying meteorological conditions, mirroring the complexities of real-world scenarios as outlined in recent literature. The results demonstrate that ¹³⁷Cs dispersal produces a wider contamination footprint, with effective doses exceeding the public exposure limit of 1 mSv at distances up to 1 km, necessitating broad protective actions. In contrast, ²⁴¹Am generates higher localized contamination, with deposition levels surpassing cleanup thresholds near the release point, creating long-term remediation challenges. Dose estimates for first responders highlight the importance of adhering to operational dose limits, with scenarios approaching 100 mSv under urgent rescue conditions. Overall, the findings underscore the need for rapid dose assessment, early shelter-in-place orders, and targeted decontamination to reduce population exposure. These insights provide actionable guidance for emergency planners and first responders, enhancing preparedness protocols for RDD incidents in major urban centers. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Instruments, Volume 9, Issue 4 (December 2025) – 13 articles

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI