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Editorial

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4 pages, 187 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Advances in Space Astroparticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space

by Matteo Duranti and Valerio Vagelli

Instruments 2024, 8(4), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments8040045 - 12 Oct 2024

Viewed by 809

Abstract

In the last decades, breakthrough advances in understanding the mechanisms of the Universe and fundamental physics have been achieved through the exploitation of data on cosmic rays and high-energy radiation gathered via orbiting experiments, in a synergic and complementary international effort that combines [...] Read more.

In the last decades, breakthrough advances in understanding the mechanisms of the Universe and fundamental physics have been achieved through the exploitation of data on cosmic rays and high-energy radiation gathered via orbiting experiments, in a synergic and complementary international effort that combines space-based instrument data with ground-based space observatories, accelerator, and collider experiments [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space AstroParticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

10 pages, 1543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Performance of a Low-Energy Gamma-Ray Trigger System for HERD

by Luis Fariña, Keerthana Lathika, Giulio Lucchetta, Monong Yu, Joan Boix, Laia Cardiel-Sas, Oscar Blanch, Manel Martinez and Javier Rico

Instruments 2024, 8(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments8020031 - 4 May 2024

Viewed by 1453

Abstract

The High Energy cosmic-Radiation Detection (HERD) facility has been proposed as one of the main experiments on board the Chinese space station. HERD is scheduled to be installed around 2027 and to operate for at least 10 years. Its main scientific goals are [...] Read more.

The High Energy cosmic-Radiation Detection (HERD) facility has been proposed as one of the main experiments on board the Chinese space station. HERD is scheduled to be installed around 2027 and to operate for at least 10 years. Its main scientific goals are the study of the cosmic ray spectrum and composition up to the PeV energy range, indirect dark matter detection, and all-sky gamma-ray observation above 100 MeV. HERD features a novel design in order to optimize its acceptance per weight, with a central 3D imaging calorimeter surrounded on top and on its four lateral sides by complementary subdetectors. A dedicated trigger, dubbed the ultra-low-energy gamma-ray (ULEG) trigger, is required to enable the detection of gamma rays down to ~100 MeV. The ULEG trigger design is based upon the search for energy deposition patterns on the tracker and the anticoincidence shield, compatible with the conversion of a gamma ray within the tracker volume and resulting in enough tracker hits to allow for a good-quality gamma-ray direction reconstruction. We describe the current status of the design of the ULEG trigger system. We also characterize its performance in detecting gamma rays as inferred from Monte Carlo studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space AstroParticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space)

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17 pages, 13163 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) and New Directions for the Future

by Paolo Soffitta

Instruments 2024, 8(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments8020025 - 25 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2053

Abstract

An observatory dedicated to X-ray polarimetry has been operational since 9 December 2021. The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), a collaboration between NASA and ASI, features three X-ray telescopes equipped with detectors sensitive to linear polarization set to 120°. This marks the first [...] Read more.

An observatory dedicated to X-ray polarimetry has been operational since 9 December 2021. The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), a collaboration between NASA and ASI, features three X-ray telescopes equipped with detectors sensitive to linear polarization set to 120°. This marks the first instance of a three-telescope SMEX mission. Upon reaching orbit, an extending boom was deployed, extending the optics and detector to a focal length of 4 m. IXPE targets each celestial source through dithering observations. This method is essential for supporting on-ground calibrations by averaging the detector’s response across a section of its sensitive plane. The spacecraft supplies power, enables attitude determination for subsequent on-ground attitude reconstruction, and issues control commands. After two years of observation, IXPE has detected significant linear polarization from nearly all classes of celestial sources emitting X-rays. This paper outlines the IXPE mission’s achievements after two years of operation in orbit. In addition, we report developments for future high-throughput X-ray optics that will have much smaller dead-times by using a new generation of Applied Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC), and may provide 3D reconstruction of photo-electron tracks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space AstroParticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space)

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23 pages, 6158 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Results and Perspectives of Timepix Detectors in Space—From Radiation Monitoring in Low Earth Orbit to Astroparticle Physics

by Benedikt Bergmann, Stefan Gohl, Declan Garvey, Jindřich Jelínek and Petr Smolyanskiy

Instruments 2024, 8(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments8010017 - 29 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2075

Abstract

In space application, hybrid pixel detectors of the Timepix family have been considered mainly for the measurement of radiation levels and dosimetry in low earth orbits. Using the example of the Space Application of Timepix Radiation Monitor (SATRAM), we demonstrate the unique capabilities [...] Read more.

In space application, hybrid pixel detectors of the Timepix family have been considered mainly for the measurement of radiation levels and dosimetry in low earth orbits. Using the example of the Space Application of Timepix Radiation Monitor (SATRAM), we demonstrate the unique capabilities of Timepix-based miniaturized radiation detectors for particle separation. We present the incident proton energy spectrum in the geographic location of SAA obtained by using Bayesian unfolding of the stopping power spectrum measured with a single-layer Timepix. We assess the measurement stability and the resiliency of the detector to the space environment, thereby demonstrating that even though degradation is observed, data quality has not been affected significantly over more than 10 years. Based on the SATRAM heritage and the capabilities of the latest-generation Timepix series chips, we discuss their applicability for use in a compact magnetic spectrometer for a deep space mission or in the Jupiter radiation belts, as well as their capability for use as single-layer X- and

γ

-ray polarimeters. The latter was supported by the measurement of the polarization of scattered radiation in a laboratory experiment, where a modulation of 80% was found. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space AstroParticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space)

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11 pages, 3281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Silicon-Photo-Multiplier-Based Camera for the Terzina Telescope on Board the Neutrinos and Seismic Electromagnetic Signals Space Mission

by Leonid Burmistrov

Instruments 2024, 8(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments8010013 - 20 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1640

Abstract

NUSES is a pathfinder satellite project hosting two detectors: Ziré and Terzina. Ziré focuses on the study of protons and electrons below 250 MeV and MeV gamma rays. Terzina is dedicated to the detection of Cherenkov light produced by ultra-high-energy cosmic rays above [...] Read more.

NUSES is a pathfinder satellite project hosting two detectors: Ziré and Terzina. Ziré focuses on the study of protons and electrons below 250 MeV and MeV gamma rays. Terzina is dedicated to the detection of Cherenkov light produced by ultra-high-energy cosmic rays above 100 PeV and ultra-high-energy Earth-skimming neutrinos in the atmosphere, ensuring a large exposure. This work mainly concerns the description of the Cherenkov camera, composed of SiPMs, for the Terzina telescope. To increase the data-taking period, the NUSES orbit will be Sun-synchronous (with a height of about 550 km), thus allowing Terzina to always point toward the dark side of the Earth’s limb. The Sun-synchronous orbit requires small distances to the poles, and as a consequence, we expect an elevated dose to be received by the SiPMs. Background rates due to the dose accumulated by the SiPM would become a dominant contribution during the last two years of the NUSES mission. In this paper, we illustrate the measured effect of irradiance on SiPM photosensors with a variable-intensity beam of 50 MeV protons up to a 30 Gy total integrated dose. We also show the results of an initial study conducted without considering the contribution of solar wind protons and with an initial geometry with Geant4. The considered geometry included an entrance lens as one of the options in the initial design of the telescope. We characterize the SiPM output signal shape with different μ-cell sizes. We describe the developed parametric SiPM simulation, which is a part of the full Terzina simulation chain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space AstroParticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space)

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13 pages, 3383 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of a Large Area Hybrid Pixel Detector of Timepix3 Technology for Space Applications

by Martin Farkas, Benedikt Bergmann, Pavel Broulim, Petr Burian, Giovanni Ambrosi, Philipp Azzarello, Lukáš Pušman, Mateusz Sitarz, Petr Smolyanskiy, Daniil Sukhonos and Xin Wu

Instruments 2024, 8(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments8010011 - 14 Feb 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2003

Abstract

We present the characterization of a highly segmented “large area” hybrid pixel detector (Timepix3, 512 × 512 pixels, pixel pitch 55 µm) for application in space experiments. We demonstrate that the nominal power consumption of 6 W can be reduced by changing the [...] Read more.

We present the characterization of a highly segmented “large area” hybrid pixel detector (Timepix3, 512 × 512 pixels, pixel pitch 55 µm) for application in space experiments. We demonstrate that the nominal power consumption of 6 W can be reduced by changing the settings of the Timepix3 analog front-end and reducing the matrix clock frequency (from the nominal 40 MHz to 5 MHz) to 2 W (in the best case). We then present a comprehensive study of the impact of these changes on the particle tracking performance, the energy resolution and time stamping precision by utilizing data measured at the Super-Proton-Synchrotron (SPS) at CERN and at the Danish Center for Particle Therapy (DCPT). While the impact of the slower sampling frequency on energy measurement can be mitigated by prolongation of the falling edge of the analog signal, we find a reduction of the time resolution from 1.8 ns (in standard settings) to 5.6 ns (in analog low-power), which is further reduced utilizing a lower sampling clock (e.g., 5 MHz, in digital low-power operation) to 73.5 ns. We have studied the temperature dependence of the energy measurement for ambient temperatures between −20 °C and 50 °C separately for the different settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space AstroParticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space)

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10 pages, 4361 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hadronic Energy Scale Calibration of Calorimeters in Space Using the Moon’s Shadow

by Alberto Oliva

Instruments 2024, 8(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments8010007 - 27 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1424

Abstract

Calorimetric experiments in space of the current and of the next generation measure cosmic rays directly above TeV on satellites in low Earth orbit. A common issue of these detectors is the determination of the absolute energy scale for hadronic showers above TeV. [...] Read more.

Calorimetric experiments in space of the current and of the next generation measure cosmic rays directly above TeV on satellites in low Earth orbit. A common issue of these detectors is the determination of the absolute energy scale for hadronic showers above TeV. In this work, we propose the use of the Moon–Earth spectrometer technique for the calibration of calorimeters in space. In brief, the presence of the Moon creates a detectable lack of particles in the detected cosmic ray arrival directions. The position of this depletion has an offset with respect to the Moon center due to the deflection effect of the geomagnetic field on the cosmic rays that depends on the energy and the charge of the particle. The developed simulation will explore if, with enough statistics, angular, and energy resolutions, this effect can be exploited for the energy scale calibration of calorimeters on satellites in orbit in Earth’s proximity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space AstroParticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space)

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10 pages, 4817 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Double Photodiode Readout System for the Calorimeter of the HERD Experiment: Challenges and New Horizons in Technology for the Direct Detection of High-Energy Cosmic Rays

by Pietro Betti, Oscar Adriani, Matias Antonelli, Yonglin Bai, Xiaohong Bai, Tianwei Bao, Eugenio Berti, Lorenzo Bonechi, Massimo Bongi, Valter Bonvicini, Sergio Bottai, Weiwei Cao, Jorge Casaus, Zhen Chen, Xingzhu Cui, Raffaello D’Alessandro, Sebastiano Detti, Carlos Diaz, Yongwei Dong, Noemi Finetti, Valerio Formato, Miguel Angel Velasco Frutos, Jiarui Gao, Francesca Giovacchini, Xiaozhen Liang, Ran Li, Xin Liu, Linwei Lyu, Gustavo Martinez, Nicola Mori, Jesus Marin Munoz, Lorenzo Pacini, Paolo Papini, Cecilia Pizzolotto, Zheng Quan, Junjun Qin, Dalian Shi, Oleksandr Starodubtsev, Zhicheng Tang, Alessio Tiberio, Valerio Vagelli, Elena Vannuccini, Bo Wang, Junjing Wang, Le Wang, Ruijie Wang, Gianluigi Zampa, Nicola Zampa, Zhigang Wang, Ming Xu, Li Zhang and Jinkun Zheng Show full author list Hide full author list

Instruments 2024, 8(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments8010005 - 22 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1915

Abstract

The HERD experiment is a future experiment for the direct detection of high-energy cosmic rays and is to be installed on the Chinese space station in 2027. The main objectives of HERD are the first direct measurement of the knee of the cosmic [...] Read more.

The HERD experiment is a future experiment for the direct detection of high-energy cosmic rays and is to be installed on the Chinese space station in 2027. The main objectives of HERD are the first direct measurement of the knee of the cosmic ray spectrum, the extension of electron+positron flux measurement up to tens of TeV, gamma ray astronomy, and the search for indirect signals of dark matter. The main component of the HERD detector is an innovative calorimeter composed of about 7500 LYSO scintillating crystals assembled in a spherical shape. Two independent readout systems of the LYSO scintillation light will be installed on each crystal: the wavelength-shifting fibers system developed by IHEP and the double photodiode readout system developed by INFN and CIEMAT. In order to measure protons in the cosmic ray knee region, we must be able to measure energy release of about 250 TeV in a single crystal. In addition, in order to calibrate the system, we need to measure typical releases of minimum ionizing particles that are about 30 MeV. Thus, the readout systems should have a dynamic range of about

10^{7}

. In this article, we analyze the development and the performance of the double photodiode readout system. In particular, we show the performance of a prototype readout by the double photodiode system for electromagnetic showers as measured during a beam test carried out at the CERN SPS in October 2021 with high-energy electron beams. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space AstroParticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space)

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16 pages, 8207 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

From SuperTIGER to TIGERISS

by B. F. Rauch, W. V. Zober, Q. Abarr, Y. Akaike, W. R. Binns, R. F. Borda, R. G. Bose, T. J. Brandt, D. L. Braun, J. H. Buckley, N. W. Cannady, S. Coutu, R. M. Crabill, P. F. Dowkontt, M. H. Israel, M. Kandula, J. F. Krizmanic, A. W. Labrador, W. Labrador, L. Lisalda, J. V. Martins, M. P. McPherson, R. A. Mewaldt, J. G. Mitchell, J. W. Mitchell, S. A. I. Mognet, R. P. Murphy, G. A. de Nolfo, S. Nutter, M. A. Olevitch, N. E. Osborn, I. M. Pastrana, K. Sakai, M. Sasaki, S. Smith, H. A. Tolentino, N. E. Walsh, J. E. Ward, D. Washington, A. T. West and L. P. Williams Show full author list Hide full author list

Instruments 2024, 8(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments8010004 - 11 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1997

Abstract

The Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder (TIGER) family of instruments is optimized to measure the relative abundances of the rare, ultra-heavy galactic cosmic rays (UHGCRs) with atomic number (Z) Z ≥ 30. Observing the UHGCRs places a premium on exposure that the balloon-borne SuperTIGER [...] Read more.

The Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder (TIGER) family of instruments is optimized to measure the relative abundances of the rare, ultra-heavy galactic cosmic rays (UHGCRs) with atomic number (Z) Z ≥ 30. Observing the UHGCRs places a premium on exposure that the balloon-borne SuperTIGER achieved with a large area detector (5.6 m

^{2}

) and two Antarctic flights totaling 87 days, while the smaller (∼1 m

^{2}

) TIGER for the International Space Station (TIGERISS) aims to achieve this with a longer observation time from one to several years. SuperTIGER uses a combination of scintillator and Cherenkov detectors to determine charge and energy. TIGERISS will use silicon strip detectors (SSDs) instead of scintillators, with improved charge resolution, signal linearity, and dynamic range. Extended single-element resolution UHGCR measurements through

_{82}

Pb will cover elements produced in s-process and r-process neutron capture nucleosynthesis, adding to the multi-messenger effort to determine the relative contributions of supernovae (SNe) and Neutron Star Merger (NSM) events to the r-process nucleosynthesis product content of the galaxy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space AstroParticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space)

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13 pages, 5646 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antideuteron Identification in Space with Helium Calorimeter

by Francesco Nozzoli, Irina Rashevskaya, Leonardo Ricci, Francesco Rossi, Piero Spinnato, Enrico Verroi, Paolo Zuccon and Gregorio Giovanazzi

Instruments 2024, 8(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments8010003 - 6 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1700

Abstract

The search for low-energy antideuterons in cosmic rays allows the addressing of fundamental physics problems testing for the presence of primordial antimatter and the nature of Dark Matter. The PHeSCAMI (Pressurized Helium Scintillating Calorimeter for AntiMatter Identification) project aims to exploit the long-living [...] Read more.

The search for low-energy antideuterons in cosmic rays allows the addressing of fundamental physics problems testing for the presence of primordial antimatter and the nature of Dark Matter. The PHeSCAMI (Pressurized Helium Scintillating Calorimeter for AntiMatter Identification) project aims to exploit the long-living metastable states of the helium target for the identification of low-energy antideuterons in cosmic rays. A space-based pressurized helium calorimeter would provide a characteristic identification signature based on the coincident detection of a prompt scintillation signal emitted by the antideuteron energy loss during the slowing-down phase in the gas, and the (≈µs) delayed scintillation signal provided by the charged pions produced in the subsequent annihilation. The performance of a high-pressure (200-bar) helium scintillator prototype, tested in the INFN-TIFPA laboratory, will be summarized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space AstroParticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space)

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12 pages, 12153 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The PMT Acquisition and Trigger Generation System of the HEPD-02 Calorimeter for the CSES-02 Satellite

by Marco Mese, Antonio Anastasio, Alfonso Boiano, Vincenzo Masone, Giuseppe Osteria, Francesco Perfetto, Beatrice Panico, Valentina Scotti and Antonio Vanzanella

Instruments 2023, 7(4), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments7040053 - 11 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1639

Abstract

This contribution describes the acquisition and trigger system for the HEPD-02 calorimeter that will be used onboard the CSES-02 satellite for the CSES/Limadou mission. This mission arises from the collaboration between the Chinese Space Agency (CNSA) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and [...] Read more.

This contribution describes the acquisition and trigger system for the HEPD-02 calorimeter that will be used onboard the CSES-02 satellite for the CSES/Limadou mission. This mission arises from the collaboration between the Chinese Space Agency (CNSA) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and plans the realization of a constellation of satellites which will monitor ionospheric parameters supposed to be related to earthquakes. It will also monitor the solar activity and the interaction with the magnetosphere and will study the cosmic rays in low energy ranges, extending data from PAMELA and AMS. The CSES-02 satellite will be equipped with various instruments, including the High-Energy Particle Detector (HEPD-02), which was designed to measure the energy of particles coming from Van Allen belts. Signals from the HEPD-02 are acquired and digitized by an electronic board that also produces the trigger for the experiment. A new generation ASIC (CITIROC) for the amplification, shaping and memorization of signals from PMTs will be used on this board. The new ASIC allows the use of the peak detector feature, optimizing the acquisition of signals with different temporal characteristics. Along with this, new algorithms for trigger generation have been developed, providing trigger pre-scaling, concurrent trigger masks and Gamma Ray Burst detection. Using pre-scaled concurrent triggers will allow the study of very sensitive regions of a satellite’s orbit such as the South Atlantic Anomaly and polar regions and to detect rare events such as GRBs while still monitoring particle bursts. In this contribution, the progress status of this work will be presented along with the measurements and tests made to finalize the flight model of the board. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space AstroParticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space)

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8 pages, 620 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Configurable 64-Channel ASIC for Cherenkov Radiation Detection from Space

by Andrea Di Salvo, Sara Garbolino, Marco Mignone, Stefan Cristi Zugravel, Angelo Rivetti, Mario Edoardo Bertaina and Pietro Antonio Palmieri

Instruments 2023, 7(4), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments7040050 - 7 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1568

Abstract

This work presents the development of a 64-channel application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), implemented to detect the optical Cherenkov light from sub-orbital and orbital altitudes. These kinds of signals are generated by ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) and cosmic neutrinos (CNs). The purpose of [...] Read more.

This work presents the development of a 64-channel application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), implemented to detect the optical Cherenkov light from sub-orbital and orbital altitudes. These kinds of signals are generated by ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) and cosmic neutrinos (CNs). The purpose of this front-end electronics is to provide a readout unit for a matrix of silicon photo-multipliers (SiPMs) to identify extensive air showers (EASs). Each event can be stored into a configurable array of 256 cells where the on-board digitization can take place with a programmable 12-bits Wilkinson analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The sampling, the conversion process, and the main digital logic of the ASIC run at 200 MHz, while the readout is managed by dedicated serializers operating at 400 MHz in double data rate (DDR). The chip is designed in a commercial 65 nm CMOS technology, ensuring a high configurability by selecting the partition of the channels, the resolution in the interval 8–12 bits, and the source of its trigger. The production and testing of the ASIC is planned for the forthcoming months. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space AstroParticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space)

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23 pages, 27802 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Collection of Silicon Detectors Mechanical Properties from Static and Dynamic Characterization Test Campaigns

by Edoardo Mancini, Lorenzo Mussolin, Giulia Morettini, Massimiliano Palmieri, Maria Ionica, Gianluigi Silvestre, Franck Cadoux, Agnese Staffa, Giovanni Ambrosi, Filippo Cianetti, Claudio Braccesi, Lucio Farnesini, Mirco Caprai, Gianluca Scolieri, Roberto Petrucci and Luigi Torre

Instruments 2023, 7(4), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments7040046 - 24 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1525

Abstract

Physics research is constantly pursuing more efficient silicon detectors, often trying to develop complex and optimized geometries, thus leading to non-trivial engineering challenges. Although critical for this optimization, there are few silicon tile mechanical data available in the literature. In an attempt to [...] Read more.

Physics research is constantly pursuing more efficient silicon detectors, often trying to develop complex and optimized geometries, thus leading to non-trivial engineering challenges. Although critical for this optimization, there are few silicon tile mechanical data available in the literature. In an attempt to partially fill this gap, the present work details various mechanical-related aspects of spaceborne silicon detectors. Specifically, this study concerns three experimental campaigns with different objectives: a mechanical characterization of the material constituting the detector (in terms of density, elastic, and failure properties), an analysis of the adhesive effect on the loads, and a wirebond vibrational endurance campaign performed on three different unpotted samples. By collecting and discussing the experimental results, this work aims to fulfill its purpose of providing insight into the mechanical problems associated with this specific application and procuring input data of paramount importance. For the study to be complete, the perspective taken is broader than mere silicon analysis and embraces all related aspects; i.e., the detector–structure adhesive interface and the structural integrity of wirebonds. In summary, this paper presents experimental data on the material properties of silicon detectors, the impact of the adhesive on the gluing stiffness, and unpotted wirebond vibrational endurance. At the same time, the discussion of the results furnishes an all-encompassing view of the design-associated criticalities in experiments where silicon detectors are employed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space AstroParticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space)

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15 pages, 14922 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Charge Resolution Study on AMS-02 Silicon Layer-0 Prototype

by Alessio Ubaldi and Maura Graziani

Instruments 2023, 7(4), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments7040045 - 24 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1765

Abstract

The work presented in this paper represents a preliminary study on the performance of the new Silicon tracker layer, Layer 0 (L0), that will be installed on top of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02), at the end of 2024. AMS-02 is a cosmic [...] Read more.

The work presented in this paper represents a preliminary study on the performance of the new Silicon tracker layer, Layer 0 (L0), that will be installed on top of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02), at the end of 2024. AMS-02 is a cosmic ray (CR) detector that has been operating on the International Space Station (ISS) since May 2011. Thanks to its nine-layer Silicon tracker, this apparatus can perform high-energy CR measurements with an unprecedented level of statistics and precision. However, high-Z (Z ≥ 15) CR nuclei statistics is strongly affected by fragmentation along the detector: with the installation of the new Silicon layer, it will be possible to achieve new unique high-energy (TeV region) measurements of those nuclei along with increased statistics for all nuclei up to Zinc. To achieve this, a Silicon ladder prototype, which will be part of the final Silicon layer, was exposed to an ion test beam at the super-proton synchrotron (SPS) of CERN to characterize its charge resolution and the readout electronics. Preliminary results have shown a charge resolution of 10 % for nuclei up to Z = 7. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space AstroParticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space)

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12 pages, 5273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Compact Particle Detector for Space-Based Applications: Development of a Low-Energy Module (LEM) for the NUSES Space Mission

by Riccardo Nicolaidis, Francesco Nozzoli, Giancarlo Pepponi and on behalf of the NUSES Collaboration

Instruments 2023, 7(4), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments7040040 - 13 Nov 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2081

Abstract

NUSES is a planned space mission aiming to test new observational and technological approaches related to the study of relatively low-energy cosmic rays, gamma rays, and high-energy astrophysical neutrinos. Two scientific payloads will be hosted onboard the NUSES space mission: Terzina and Zirè. [...] Read more.

NUSES is a planned space mission aiming to test new observational and technological approaches related to the study of relatively low-energy cosmic rays, gamma rays, and high-energy astrophysical neutrinos. Two scientific payloads will be hosted onboard the NUSES space mission: Terzina and Zirè. Terzina will be an optical telescope readout by SiPM arrays, for the detection and study of Cerenkov light emitted by Extensive Air Showers generated by high-energy cosmic rays and neutrinos in the atmosphere. Zirè will focus on the detection of protons and electrons up to a few hundred MeV and to 0.1–10 MeV photons and will include the Low Energy Module (LEM). The LEM will be a particle spectrometer devoted to the observation of fluxes of relatively low-energy electrons in the 0.1–7-MeV range and protons in the 3–50 MeV range along the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) followed by the hosting platform. The detection of Particle Bursts (PBs) in this Physics channel of interest could give new insight into the understanding of complex phenomena such as eventual correlations between seismic events or volcanic activity with the collective motion of particles in the plasma populating van Allen belts. With its compact sizes and limited acceptance, the LEM will allow the exploration of hostile environments such as the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) and the inner Van Allen Belt, in which the anticipated electron fluxes are on the order of

10^{6}

to

10^{7}

electrons per square centimeter per steradian per second. Concerning the vast literature of space-based particle spectrometers, the innovative aspect of the LEM resides in its compactness, within 10 × 10 × 10 cm³, and in its “active collimation” approach dealing with the problem of multiple scattering at these very relatively low energies. In this work, the geometry of the detector, its detection concept, its operation modes, and the hardware adopted will be presented. Some preliminary results from the Monte Carlo simulation (Geant4) will be shown. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space AstroParticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space)

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10 pages, 2029 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Real-Time Monitoring of Solar Energetic Particles Using the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

by Andrea Serpolla, Matteo Duranti, Valerio Formato and Alberto Oliva

Instruments 2023, 7(4), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments7040038 - 31 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1670

Abstract

The International Space Station (ISS) orbits at an average altitude of 400 km, in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and is regularly occupied by astronauts. The material of the Station, the residual atmosphere and the geomagnetic field offer a partial protection against the [...] Read more.

The International Space Station (ISS) orbits at an average altitude of 400 km, in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and is regularly occupied by astronauts. The material of the Station, the residual atmosphere and the geomagnetic field offer a partial protection against the cosmic radiation to the crew and the equipment. The solar activity can cause sporadic bursts of particles with energies between ∼10 keV and several GeVs called Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs). SEP emissions can last for hours or even days and can represent an actual risk for ISS occupants and equipment. The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) was installed on the ISS in 2011 and is expected to take data until the decommissioning of the Station itself. The instrument detects cosmic rays continuously and can also be used to monitor SEPs in real-time. A detection algorithm developed for the monitoring measures temporary increases in the trigger rates of AMS, using McIlwain’s L-parameter to characterize different conditions of the data-taking environment. A real-time monitor for SEPs has been realized reading data from the AMS Monitoring Interface (AMI) database and processing them using the custom algorithm that was developed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space AstroParticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space)

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Review

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15 pages, 1222 KiB

Open AccessReview

Scattering Polarimetry in the Hard X-ray Range

by Enrico Costa

Instruments 2024, 8(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments8010020 - 2 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1538

Abstract

In one and a half years, the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer has demonstrated the role and the potentiality of Polarimetry in X-ray Astronomy. The next steps include extension to higher energies. There is margin for an extension of the photoelectric approach up to [...] Read more.

In one and a half years, the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer has demonstrated the role and the potentiality of Polarimetry in X-ray Astronomy. The next steps include extension to higher energies. There is margin for an extension of the photoelectric approach up to 20–25 keV, but above that energy the only technique is Compton Scattering. Grazing incidence optics can focus photons up to 80 keV, not excluding a marginal extension to 150–200 keV. Given the physical constraints involved, the passage from photoelectric to scattering approach can make less effective the use of optics because of the high background. I discuss the choices in terms of detector design to mitigate the problem and the guidelines for future technological developments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space AstroParticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space)

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13 pages, 6962 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mini-EUSO on Board the International Space Station: Mission Status and Results

by Laura Marcelli

Instruments 2024, 8(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments8010006 - 24 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1871

Abstract

The telescope Mini-EUSO has been observing, since 2019, the Earth in the ultraviolet band (290–430 nm) through a nadir-facing UV-transparent window in the Russian Zvezda module of the International Space Station. The instrument has a square field of view of 44°, a spatial [...] Read more.

The telescope Mini-EUSO has been observing, since 2019, the Earth in the ultraviolet band (290–430 nm) through a nadir-facing UV-transparent window in the Russian Zvezda module of the International Space Station. The instrument has a square field of view of 44°, a spatial resolution on the Earth surface of 6.3 km and a temporal sampling rate of 2.5 microseconds. The optics is composed of two 25 cm diameter Fresnel lenses and a focal surface consisting of 36 multi-anode photomultiplier tubes, 64 pixels each, for a total of 2304 channels. In addition to the main camera, Mini-EUSO also contains two cameras in the near infrared and visible ranges, a series of silicon photomultiplier sensors and UV sensors to manage night-day transitions. Its triggering and on-board processing allow the telescope to detect UV emissions of cosmic, atmospheric and terrestrial origin on different time scales, from a few microseconds up to tens of milliseconds. This makes it possible to investigate a wide variety of events: the study of atmospheric phenomena (lightning, transient luminous events (TLEs) such as ELVES and sprites), meteors and meteoroids; the search for nuclearites and strange quark matter; and the observation of artificial satellites and space debris. Mini-EUSO is also potentially capable of observing extensive air showers generated by ultra-high-energy cosmic rays with an energy above 10²¹ eV and can detect artificial flashing events and showers generated with lasers from the ground. The instrument was integrated and qualified in 2019 in Rome, with additional tests in Moscow and final, pre-launch tests in Baikonur. Operations involve periodic installation in the Zvezda module of the station with observations during the crew night time, with periodic downlink of data samples, and the full dataset being sent to the ground via pouches containing the data disks. In this work, the mission status and the main scientific results obtained so far are presented, in light of future observations with similar instruments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space AstroParticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space)

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19 pages, 10991 KiB

Open AccessReview

Use of Silicon Photomultipliers in the Detectors of the JEM-EUSO Program

by Francesca Bisconti

Instruments 2023, 7(4), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments7040055 - 14 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1693

Abstract

The JEM-EUSO program aims to study ultra-high energy cosmic rays from space. To achieve this goal, it has realized a series of experiments installed on the ground (EUSO-TA), various on stratospheric balloons (with the most recent one EUSO-SPB2), and inside the International Space [...] Read more.

The JEM-EUSO program aims to study ultra-high energy cosmic rays from space. To achieve this goal, it has realized a series of experiments installed on the ground (EUSO-TA), various on stratospheric balloons (with the most recent one EUSO-SPB2), and inside the International Space Station (Mini-EUSO), in light of future missions such as K-EUSO and POEMMA. At nighttime, these instruments aim to monitor the Earth’s atmosphere measuring fluorescence and Cherenkov light produced by extensive air showers generated both by very high-energy cosmic rays from outside the atmosphere and by neutrino decays. As the two light components differ in duration (order of microseconds for fluorescence light and a few nanoseconds for Cherenkov light) they each require specialized sensors and acquisition electronics. So far, the sensors used for the fluorescence camera are the Multi-Anode Photomultiplier Tubes (MAPMTs), while for the Cherenkov one, new systems based on Silicon PhotoMultipliers (SiPMs) have been developed. In this contribution, a brief review of the experiments is followed by a discussion of the tests performed on the optical sensors. Particular attention is paid to the development, test, and calibration conducted on SiPMs, also in view to optimize the geometry, mass, and weight in light of the installation of mass-critical applications such as balloon- and space-borne instrumentation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Space AstroParticle Physics: Frontier Technologies for Particle Measurements in Space)

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