Faster and more accurate detectors
Nikhef’s Detector R&D programme focuses on devising and testing new sensor concepts for use in Nikhef’s pioneering physics experiments.
What is Detector R&D?
Particle experiments always rely on techniques to detect passing or emitted particles or signals. Particle experiments use sensors that track and display the trajectories of particles.
Such tracks have traditionally formed the basis for research into the properties and behaviour of particles. In the past, particles were made visible in vapour, in photosensitive layers or using ionising gas. Nowadays, semiconductors form the basis for the sensors that record collision tracks in detectors.
The aim of detector research is to improve the accuracy of such measurements as much as possible, by determining the position and time of a passing particle as precisely as possible. Modern detectors are constructed using pixel detectors based on chip technology. On the one hand, the research focuses on the development and production of reliable, high-resolution pixel sensors, even under the harsh conditions found in particle accelerators.
On the other hand, the aim is to understand and characterise the properties and limitations of such sensors as thoroughly as possible, in order to interpret the measurement data.
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What are the themes of Detector R&D?
The Detector R&D programme broadly covers two research themes. The first is the smart-pixels theme, which develops semiconductor sensors based on chip technology, primarily in silicon. The aim is to create ultra-small pixels that detect passing charged particles, and to integrate these into thin, fine-mesh sensors that accurately determine both the location and the arrival time. This precision is necessary for reconstructing particle tracks in detectors that are inundated with particles from colliding protons or other particles.
An example of this, developed internationally, is the TimePix sensor, the latest version of which contains 60,000 pixels with time registration accurate to within a few nanoseconds.
A new research target is now 100 picoseconds, for which a major research project has been set up with a view to disentangling the countless, virtually simultaneous particle tracks in even more intense collision processes.
A second line of research is closely linked to research into gravitational waves and the detectors used for this purpose. Here, the research focuses on the detection and active compensation of vibrations and noise. This often relies on combinations of microchip technology and mechanics in electromechanical motion sensors, known as MEMS chips.
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What does Nikhef Detector R&D do?
The Nikhef Detector R&D group consists of around 25 researchers with various specialisms. The group develops innovative methods and concepts to improve the accuracy of experimental measurement data. It has a number of specialised laboratories for optical research, lasers, sensor testing and coating research.
Beam telescopes at CERN are also used for testing sensor prototypes. Nikhef has its own highly vibration-damped platform where the properties of sensors can be tested.
The Detector R&D programme is strongly future-oriented, but there is also intensive collaboration with existing experiments working on quality improvements or expansions.
A separate project is the collaboration with SRON and ESA on optical sensors for the LISA gravitational wave detector, which is planned to be placed in orbit around the Sun: three satellites that use lasers to measure distances between each other.
Nikhef is working on what is known as ‘the eyes of LISA’: simple 4-pixel cameras used to track the laser signals within the system and measure positions. Use in space places extremely high demands on the robustness and reliability of these cameras, which are being developed in collaboration with Nikhef’s Mechanical Technology department and industrial partners.
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What does Detector R&D deliver?
Detector R&D provides fundamental insights into sensor technology and contributes to the development of techniques for new projects in particle physics and gravitational wave research.
In addition, a number of techniques from the Detector R&D group’s portfolio have found their way into industrial or commercial applications. Nikhef was instrumental in the creation of two successful spin-offs that have translated innovations into products: ASI for optical sensor technology based on MediPix, and Innoseis, which develops and supplies vibration sensors for industry and applications in gravitational wave detectors.
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More information
Universities that are involved:
University of Amsterdam, University of Utrecht, University of Nijmegen (pixel detectors), University of Groningen, University of Maastricht, Free University Amsterdam (sensors for GW, eEDM)
Programme leadership Detector R&D
Niels van Bakel
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