Authors:Alicia Reija, David Esteban, Aarón Alejo, Jon Imanol Apiñaniz, Adrián Bembibre, José Benlliure, Michael Ehret, Javier García López, M. Carmen Jiménez-Ramos, Jessica Juan-Morales, Cruz Méndez, David Pascual, M. Dolores Rodríguez Frías, Mauricio Rodríguez Ramos, Michael Seimetz First page: 36 Abstract: Highly intense bunches of protons and ions with energies of several MeV/u can be generated with ultra-short laser pulses focused on solid targets. In the most common interaction regime, target normal sheath acceleration, the spectra of these particles are spread over a wide range following a Maxwellian distribution. We report on the design and testing of a magnetic chicane for the selection of protons within a limited energy window. This consisted of two successive, anti-parallel dipole fields generated by cost-effective permanent C-magnets with customized configuration and longitudinal positions. The chicane was implemented into the target vessel of a petawatt laser facility with constraints on the direction of the incoming laser beam and guidance of the outgoing particles through a vacuum port. The separation of protons and carbon ions within distinct energy intervals was demonstrated and compared to a ray tracing code. Measurements with radiochromic film stacks indicated the selection of protons within [2.4, 6.9] MeV, [5.0, 8.4] MeV, or ≥6.9 MeV depending on the lateral dispersion. A narrow peak at 4.8 MeV was observed with a time-of-flight detector. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-06-29 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8030036 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
Authors:Aditya Nechiyil, Robert Lee, Gregg Chapman First page: 37 Abstract: The counterfeiting of integrated circuits (ICs) has been a growing issue. Current available methods used to detect counterfeit ICs can be expensive, imprecise, and time-consuming. This paper explores the resonant cavity system: a non-contact, non-destructive method to rapidly differentiate counterfeit ICs from authentic ones. The system captures a unique signature of an IC placed inside it. Data were captured for ICs of various technologies and authenticities. The data included return loss values captured at various transverse electric (TE) modes between 2.8 GHz and 6 GHz. This allowed for the comparison of the effectiveness of the various TE modes in being able to distinguish ICs. The resonant cavity system was able to distinguish most of the ICs at higher TE modes. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-07-07 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8030037 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
Authors:Sergio J. C. do do Carmo, Ângela C. B. Neves, Eric Kral, Jean-Michel Geets, Benoit Nactergal, Antero J. Abrunhosa, Francisco Alves First page: 38 Abstract: The implementation of the Variable Energy (VE) feature in the previously fixed-energy IBA Cyclone® Kiube cyclotron is presented as an upgrade enabling the production of novel radioisotopes with improved radionuclidic purity and production yields. The possibility of easily decreasing the energy of the extracted proton beam, from 18 down to 13 MeV, allows us to avoid the use of degraders and/or thick target windows, thus preventing related beam current limitations. The immediate application of the Variable Energy feature is proven by presenting the improved results obtained for the production of 68Ga from the irradiation of liquid targets simultaneously in terms of radionuclidic purity and activity produced. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-07-17 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8030038 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
Authors:Michael Mayerhofer, Stefan Brenner, Marcel Dickmann, Michael Doppler, Samira Gruber, Ricardo Helm, Elena Lopez, Verena Maier, Johannes Mitteneder, Carsten Neukirchen, Vesna Nedeljkovic-Groha, Bernd Reinarz, Michael Schuch, Lukas Stepien, Günther Dollinger First page: 39 Abstract: Linear particle accelerators (Linacs) are primarily composed of radio frequency cavities (cavities). Compared to traditional manufacturing, Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) holds the potential to fabricate cavities in a single piece, enhancing Linac performance and significantly reducing investment costs. However, the question of whether red or green laser PBF yields superior results for pure copper remains a subject of ongoing debate. Eight 4.2 GHz single-cell cavities (SCs) were manufactured from pure copper using both red and green PBF (SCs R and SCs G). Subsequently, the surface roughness of the SCs was reduced through a chemical post-processing method (Hirtisation) and annealed at 460 ∘C to maximize their quality factor (Q0). The geometric accuracy of the printed SCs was evaluated using optical methods and resonant frequency (fR) measurements. Surface conductivity was determined by measuring the quality factor (Q0) of the SCs. Laser scanning microscopy was utilized for surface roughness characterization. The impact of annealing was quantified using Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and Electron Backscatter Diffraction to evaluate chemical surface properties and grain size. Both the SCs R and SCs G achieved the necessary geometric accuracy and thus fR precision. The SCs R achieved a 95% Q0 after a material removal of 40 µm. The SCs G achieved an approximately 80% Q0 after maximum material removal of 160 µm. Annealing increased the Q0 by an average of about 5%. The additive manufacturing process is at least equivalent to conventional manufacturing for producing cavities in the low-gradient range. The presented cavities justify the first high-gradient tests. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-07-26 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8030039 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 3 (2024)
Authors:Paolo Soffitta First page: 25 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 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. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-03-25 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8020025 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
Authors:Guoliang Sun, Tingting Guo, Bao Yuan, Xiaojing Yang, Guang Wang First page: 26 Abstract: The sample environment is essential to neutron scattering experiments as it induces the sample under study into a phase or state of particular interest. Various sample environments have been developed, yet the high-voltage electric field has rarely been documented. In this study, Bruce electrodes with various sectional geometries and chamber sizes were examined by using simulation modeling based on ANSYS Maxwell. A large uniform field region where samples would sit could be achieved in the planar region for all specifications, but the size of the region and the field strength varied with the gap distance between electrodes. The edging effect was inherently observed even for bare electrodes, about 1.7% higher in the sinusoidal region than the planar region, and was significantly deteriorated when a chamber was applied. This effect, however, presented an exponential decrease as the minimum distance between the electrode edge and the chamber shell increased. A compromise between the spatial confinement and the achievable field (strength and uniform region) could be reached according to the unique applicability of neutron instruments. This research provides a theoretical basis for the subsequent design and manufacturing of high-voltage sample environment devices. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-03-28 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8020026 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
Authors:Ashish Bisht, Leo Cavazzini, Matteo Centis Vignali, Fabiola Caso, Omar Hammad Ali, Francesco Ficorella, Maurizio Boscardin, Giovanni Paternoster First page: 27 Abstract: This work explores the possibility of using Low Gain Avalanche Diodes (LGADs) for tracker-based experiments studying Charged Cosmic Rays (CCRs) in space. While conventional silicon microstrip sensors provide only spatial information about the charged particle passing through the tracker, LGADs have the potential to provide additional timing information with a resolution in the order of tens of picoseconds. For the first time, it has been demonstrated that an LGAD with an active area of approximately 1 cm2 can achieve a jitter of less than 40 ps. A comparison of design and gain layers is carried out to understand which provides the best time resolution. For this purpose, laboratory measurements of sensors’ electrical properties and gain using LED and an Infrared laser, as well as their jitter, were performed. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-03-29 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8020027 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
Authors:Gerard Andonian, Nathan Burger, Nathan Cook, Scott Doran, Tara Hodgetts, Seongyeol Kim, Gwanghui Ha, Wanming Liu, Walter Lynn, Nathan Majernik, John Power, Alexey Pronikov, James Rosenzweig, Eric Wisniewski First page: 28 Abstract: The recently demonstrated concept of the plasma photocathode, whereby a high-brightness bunch is initialized by laser ionization within a plasma wakefield acceleration bubble, is informally referred to as Trojan Horse wakefield acceleration. In a similar vein, the dielectric Trojan Horse concept incorporates a dielectric-lined waveguide to support a charged particle beam-driven accelerating mode and uses laser initiated ionization of neutral gas within the waveguide to generate a witness beam. One of the advantages of the dielectric Trojan Horse concept is the reduced requirements in terms of timing precision due to operation at a lower frequency. In this paper, we present experimental results on the generation and characterization of a four-bunch drive train for resonant excitation of wakefields in a cylindrical dielectric waveguide conducted at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator facility. The results lay the foundation for the demonstration of a plasma photocathode scheme within a dielectric wakefield accelerating structure. Modifications to improve capture efficiency with improved beam transmission are suggested as well. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-04-10 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8020028 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
Authors:Marcos Turqueti, Gustav Wagner, Azriel Goldschmidt, Rebecca Carney First page: 29 Abstract: In this study, we introduce the concept and construction of an innovative Digital Miniature Cathode Ray Magnetometer designed for the precise detection of magnetic fields. This device addresses several limitations inherent to magnetic probes such as D.C. offset, nonlinearity, temperature drift, sensor aging, and the need for frequent recalibration, while capable of operating in a wide range of magnetic fields. The core principle of this device involves the utilization of a charged particle beam as the sensitivity medium. The system leverages the interaction of an electron beam with a scintillator material, which then emits visible light that is captured by an imager. The emitted scintillation light is captured by a CMOS sensor. This sensor not only records the scintillation light but also accurately determines the position of the electron beam, providing invaluable spatial information crucial for magnetic field mapping. The key innovation lies in the combination of electron beam projection, CMOS imager scintillation-based detection, and digital image signal processing. By employing this synergy, the magnetometer achieves remarkable accuracy, sensitivity and dynamic range. The precise position registration enabled by the CMOS sensor further enhances the device’s utility in capturing complex magnetic field patterns, allowing for 2D field mapping. In this work, the optimization of the probe’s performance is tailored for applications related to the characterization of insertion devices in light sources, including undulators. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-04-24 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8020029 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
Authors:Raul-Victor Erhan, Victor-Otto de Haan, Christoph Frommen, Kenneth Dahl Knudsen, Isabel Llamas-Jansa, Bjørn Christian Hauback First page: 30 Abstract: The design of a time-of-flight neutron reflectometer proposed for the new generation of compact neutron sources is presented. The reflectometer offers the possibility to use spin-polarized neutrons. The reflectometer design presented here takes advantage of a cold neutron source and uses neutrons with wavelengths in the range of 2–15 Å for the unpolarized mode. In general, due to tight spatial restrictions and the need to avoid moving parts inside the beam channel, a multi-channel collimator guide and reflective neutron guide are used for the first section of the instrument. This enables definition of the desired wavelength band and easy selection of one out of three different Q-resolutions. A low background for the collimator system and the reflectometer is ensured by employing a tangential beam channel and an in-channel sapphire filter. The second section is the time-of-flight (TOF) system, which uses a double-disk neutron chopper followed by polarization elements, the sample environment and the neutron detector system. Monte Carlo simulations and neutron beamline intensity measurements are presented. The design considerations are adoptable for neutron sources where space is limited and sections of the instrument are in a high-radiation environment. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-04-24 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8020030 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
Authors:Luis Fariña, Keerthana Lathika, Giulio Lucchetta, Monong Yu, Joan Boix, Laia Cardiel-Sas, Oscar Blanch, Manel Martinez, Javier Rico First page: 31 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 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. 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 . 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. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-05-04 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8020031 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
Authors:Rolf Behling, Christopher Hulme, Panagiotis Tolias, Gavin Poludniowski, Mats Danielsson First page: 32 Abstract: The spatiotemporal resolution of diagnostic X-ray images obtained with rotating-anode X-ray tubes has remained limited as the development of rigid, high-performance target materials has slowed down. However, novel imaging techniques using finer detector pixels and orthovolt cancer therapy employing narrow X-ray focal spots demand improved output from brilliant keV X-ray sources. Since its advent in 1929, rotating-anode technology has become the greatest bottleneck to improvement. To overcome this limitation, the current authors have devised a novel X-ray generation technology based on tungsten microparticle targets. The current study investigated a hybrid solution of a stream of fast tungsten microparticles and a rotating anode to both harvest the benefits of the improved performance of the new solution and to reuse known technology. The rotating anode captures energy that may pass a partially opaque microparticle stream and thereby contributes to X-ray generation. With reference to fast-rotating anodes and a highly appreciated small focal spot of a standardized size of 0.3 for an 8° target angle (physical: 0.45 mm × 4.67 mm), we calculated a potential output gain of at least 85% for non-melting microparticles and of 124% if melting is envisioned. Microparticle charging can be remediated by electron backscattering and electron field emission. The adoption of such a solution enables substantially improved image resolution. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-05-22 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8020032 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
Authors: do Carmo, Alves First page: 33 Abstract: The present work promotes and validates the benefits of using niobium instead of Havar® as the material for the target windows in most routine irradiations in cyclotrons. Calculation of the material activation and measurements of the contamination of the transferred target liquids show major improvements with the use of niobium. Also, the data of the daily routine productions at our production center are presented, proving that Havar® is not mandatory unless large target currents and/or pressures are required. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-05-27 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8020033 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
Authors:Shahnaz Mukta, Ebenezer H. Bondzie, Sara E. Bell, Chase Deberry, Christopher C. Mulligan First page: 34 Abstract: Mass spectrometry (MS) is a highly selective and sensitive analytical tool with a myriad of applications, but such techniques are typically used in laboratory settings due to the handling and preparations that are necessary. The merging of two streams of robust research, portable MS systems and next-generation ambient ionization methods, now provides the ability to perform high-performance chemical screening in an on-site and on-demand manner, with natural applications in disciplines such as forensic science, where samples of interest are typically found in field environments (i.e., traffic stops, crime scenes, etc.). Correspondingly, investigations regarding the suitability and robustness of these methodologies when they are utilized for authentic forensic evidence processing are prudent. This work reports critical insights into the role that choice of spray solvent system plays regarding analytical performance of two spray-based ambient ionization sources, paper spray ionization (PSI) and filter cone spray ionization (FCSI), when employed for evidence types containing emerging synthetic cannabinoids. The systematic characterization studies reported herein show that the applied spray solvent can dramatically affect both spectral intensity and signal duration, and in some circumstances, yield deleterious false negative responses. Overall, acetonitrile-based systems are shown to strike a balance between analyte solubility concerns and spray ionization dynamics of the novel ion sources employed on portable MS systems. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-06-01 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8020034 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
Authors:Xi Yang, Lihua Yu, Victor Smaluk, Timur Shaftan First page: 35 Abstract: To align with the global trend of integrating synchrotron light source (SLS) and free electron laser (FEL) facilities on one site, in line with examples such as SPring-8 and SACLA in Japan and ELETTRA and FERMI in Italy, we actively explore FEL options leveraging the ultralow-emittance electron beam of the NSLS-II upgrade. These options show promising potential for synergy with storage ring (SR) operations, thereby significantly enhancing our facility’s capabilities. Echo-enabled harmonic generation (EEHG) is well-suited to SR-based FELs, and has already been demonstrated with the capability of generating extremely narrow bandwidth as well as high brightness, realized using diffraction-limited short pulses in transverse planes and Fourier transform-limited bandwidth in the soft X-ray spectrum. However, regarding a conventional EEHG scheme, the combination of the shortest seed laser wavelength (256 nm) and highest harmonic (200) sets the short wavelength limit to λ = 1.28 nm. To further extend the short wavelength limit down to the tender and hard X-ray region, a vital option is to shorten the seed laser wavelength. Thanks to recent advances in high harmonic generation (HHG), packing 109 photons at one harmonic within a few-femtosecond pulse could turn such a novel HHG source into an ideal seeding for EEHG. Thus, compared to the cascaded EEHG, the HHG seeding option could not only lower the cost, but also free the SR space for accommodating more user beamlines. Moreover, to mitigate the SASE background noise on the sample and detector, we combine the HHG seeding EEHG with the crab cavity short pulse scheme for maximum benefit. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-06-02 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8020035 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 2 (2024)
Authors:Marco Battaglieri, Andrea Bianconi, Mariangela Bondí, Raffaella De Vita, Antonino Fulci, Giulia Gosta, Stefano Grazzi, Hyon-Suk Jo, Changhui Lee, Giuseppe Mandaglio, Valerio Mascagna, Tetiana Nagorna, Alessandro Pilloni, Marco Spreafico, Luca J. Tagliapietra, Luca Venturelli, Tommaso Vittorini First page: 1 Abstract: The interaction of a high-current O(100 µA), medium energy O(10 GeV) electron beam with a thick target O(1m) produces an overwhelming shower of standard model particles in addition to hypothetical light dark matter particles. While most of the radiation (gamma, electron/positron) is contained in the thick target, deep penetrating particles (muons, neutrinos, and light dark matter particles) propagate over a long distance, producing high-intensity secondary beams. Using sophisticated Monte Carlo simulations based on FLUKA and GEANT4, we explored the characteristics of secondary muons and neutrinos and (hypothetical) dark scalar particles produced by the interaction of the Jefferson Lab 11 GeV intense electron beam with the experimental Hall-A beam dump. Considering the possible beam energy upgrade, this study was repeated for a 22 GeV CEBAF beam. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-01-04 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010001 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Madison Singleton, James Rosenzweig, Jingyi Tang, Zhirong Huang First page: 2 Abstract: There is a growing interest in designing and building compact X-ray Free Electron Lasers (FELs) for scientific and industry applications. In this paper, we report an X-ray Regenerative Amplifier FEL (XRAFEL) design based on a proposed Ultra Compact X-ray FEL configuration. Our results show that an XRAFEL can dramatically enhance the temporal coherence and increase the spectral brightness of the radiation in the hard X-ray regime without increasing the footprint of the FEL configuration. The proposed compact, fully coherent, and high-flux hard X-ray source holds promise as a valuable candidate for a wide range of high-impact applications in both academia and industry. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-01-05 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010002 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Francesco Nozzoli, Irina Rashevskaya, Leonardo Ricci, Francesco Rossi, Piero Spinnato, Enrico Verroi, Paolo Zuccon, Gregorio Giovanazzi First page: 3 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 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. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-01-06 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010003 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors: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, L. P. Williams First page: 4 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 achieved with a large area detector (5.6 m2) and two Antarctic flights totaling 87 days, while the smaller (∼1 m2) 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 82Pb 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. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-01-11 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010004 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors: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, Jinkun Zheng First page: 5 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 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 107. 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. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-01-22 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010005 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Laura Marcelli First page: 6 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 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. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-01-24 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010006 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Alberto Oliva First page: 7 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. 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. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-01-27 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010007 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Emilie Pietersoone, Jean Michel Létang, Simon Rit, Emmanuel Brun, Max Langer First page: 8 Abstract: X-ray phase-contrast imaging (XPCI) is a family of imaging techniques that makes contrast visible due to phase shifts in the sample. Phase-sensitive techniques can potentially be several orders of magnitude more sensitive than attenuation-based techniques, finding applications in a wide range of fields, from biomedicine to materials science. The accurate simulation of XPCI allows for the planning of imaging experiments, potentially reducing the need for costly synchrotron beam access to find suitable imaging parameters. It can also provide training data for recently proposed machine learning-based phase retrieval algorithms. The simulation of XPCI has classically been carried out using wave optics or ray optics approaches. However, these approaches have not been capable of simulating all the artifacts present in experimental images. The increased interest in dark-field imaging has also prompted the inclusion of scattering in XPCI simulation codes. Scattering is classically simulated using Monte Carlo particle transport codes. The combination of the two perspectives has proven not to be straightforward, and several methods have been proposed. We review the available literature on the simulation of XPCI with attention given to particular methods, including the scattering component, and discuss the possible future directions for the simulation of both wave and particle effects in XPCI. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-02-03 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010008 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Charlotte Wehner, Bradley Shirley, Garrett Mathesen, Julian Merrick, Brandon Weatherford, Emilio Alessandro Nanni First page: 9 Abstract: The manufacturing of active RF devices like klystrons is dominated by expensive and time-consuming cycles of machining and brazing. In this article, we characterize the RF properties of X-band klystron cavities and an integrated circuit manufactured with a novel additive manufacturing process. Parts are 3D printed in 316 L stainless steel with direct metal laser sintering, electroplated in copper, and brazed in one simple braze cycle. Stand-alone test cavities and integrated circuit cavities were measured throughout the manufacturing process. The un-tuned cavity frequency varies by less than 5% of the intended frequency, and Q factors reach above 1200. A tuning study was performed, and unoptimized tuning pins achieved a tuning range of 138 MHz without compromising Q. Klystron system performance was simulated with as-built cavity parameters and realistic tuning. Together, these results show promise that this process can be used to cheaply and quickly manufacture a new generation of highly integrated high power vacuum devices. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-02-07 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010009 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Martin Kreller, Santiago Andrés Brühlmann, Torsten Knieß, Klaus Kopka, Martin Walther First page: 10 Abstract: A new Center for Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research was established at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf in 2017 to centralize radionuclide and radiopharmaceutical production, as well as enable chemical and biochemical research. Routine production of several radionuclides was put into operation in recent years. We report on the production methods of radiopharmaceutical radionuclides, in particular 11C, 18F, and radio metals like 61Cu, 64Cu, 67Cu, 67Ga, 131Ba, and 133La that are used regularly. In the discussion, we report typical irradiation parameters and achieved saturation yields. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-02-07 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010010 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Martin Farkas, Benedikt Bergmann, Pavel Broulim, Petr Burian, Giovanni Ambrosi, Philipp Azzarello, Lukáš Pušman, Mateusz Sitarz, Petr Smolyanskiy, Daniil Sukhonos, Xin Wu First page: 11 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 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 ∘ and 50 ∘C separately for the different settings. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-02-14 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010011 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Fabio Bosco, Gerard Andonian, Obed Camacho, Martina Carillo, Enrica Chiadroni, Anna Giribono, Gerard Lawler, Nathan Majernik, Pratik Manwani, Mauro Migliorati, Andrea Mostacci, Luigi Palumbo, Gilles Jacopo Silvi, Bruno Spataro, Cristina Vaccarezza, Monika Yadav, James Rosenzweig First page: 12 Abstract: Particle-driven plasma wakefield acceleration (PWFA) exploits the intense wakefields excited in a plasma by a high-brightness driver beam in order to accelerate a trailing, properly delayed witness electron beam. Such a configuration offers notable advantages in achieving very large accelerating gradients that are suitable for applications in particle colliders and photon production. Moreover, the amplitude of the accelerating fields can be enhanced by resonantly exciting the plasma using a multi-pulse driver beam with a proper time structure. Before the injection into the plasma stage, the pulsed electron beam, conventionally termed the comb beam, is usually produced and pre-accelerated in a radio-frequency (RF) linear accelerator (linac). In this pape, we discuss challenging aspects of the dynamics that comb beams encounter in the RF injector stage preceding the plasma. In particular, the examples we analyze focus on the use of velocity bunching to manipulate the time structure of the beam and the impact of dipole short-range wakefields on the transverse emittances. Indeed, both processes crucially affect the phase space distribution and its quality, which are determinant features for an efficient acceleration in the plasma. In addition, the analyses we present are performed with the custom tracking code MILES, which utilizes semi-analytical models for a simplified evaluation of wakefield effects in the presence of space charge forces. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-02-20 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010012 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Leonid Burmistrov, on behalf of the NUSES Collaboration on behalf of the NUSES Collaboration First page: 13 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 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. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-02-20 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010013 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Gerard Emile Lawler, Fabio Bosco, Martina Carillo, Atsushi Fukasawa, Zenghai Li, Nathan Majernik, Yusuke Sakai, Sami Tantawi, Oliver Williams, Monika Yadav, James Rosenzweig First page: 14 Abstract: Future electron accelerator applications such as X-ray free electron lasers and colliders are dependent on significantly increasing beam brightness. With the observation that linac beam manipulation’s best preservation of max brightness is at the cathode, we are incentivized to create an environment where we can study how to achieve the highest possible photogun brightness. In order to do so, we intend to extract beams from high-brightness photocathodes with the highest achievable accelerating gradients we can manage in a klystron-powered radiofrequency (RF) photogun. We utilize here cryogenic normal conducting cavities to achieve ultra-high gradients via limitation of breakdown rates (BDR). The low temperatures should also reduce cathode emittance by reducing the mean transverse energy (MTE) of electrons near the photoemission threshold. To this end, we have designed and produced a new CrYogenic Brightness-Optimized Radiofrequency Gun (CYBORG) for use in a new beamline at UCLA. We will introduce the enabling RF and photoemission physics as a primer for the new regime of high field low temperature cathodes we intend to enter. We further report the current status of the beamline commissioning, including the cooling of the photogun to 100 K, and producing 0.5 MW of RF feed power, which corresponds to cathode accelerating fields in the range of 80–90 MV/m. We further plan iterative improvements to both to 77 K and 1 MW corresponding to our ultimate goal >120 MV/m. Our discussion will include future beamline tests and the consideration of the initial realization of an ultra-high-gradient photoinjector concept. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-02-24 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010014 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Yinrui Liu First page: 15 Abstract: Liquid argon technology is widely used by many previous and current neutrino experiments, and it is also promising for future large-scale neutrino experiments. When detecting neutrinos using liquid argon, many hadrons are involved, which can also interact with argon nuclei. In order to gain a better understanding of the detection processes, and to simulate neutrino events, knowledge of hadron-argon cross sections is needed. This paper describes a new procedure which improves upon the previous work with multi-dimensional unfolding to measure hadron-argon cross sections in a liquid argon time projection chamber. Through a simplified version of simulation, we demonstrate the validity of this procedure. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-02-25 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010015 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Georgia Korompili, Günter Mußbach, Christos Riziotis First page: 16 Abstract: In the realm of space exploration, solid rocket motors (SRMs) play a pivotal role due to their reliability and high thrust-to-weight ratio. Serving as boosters in space launch vehicles and employed in military systems, and other critical & emerging applications, SRMs’ structural integrity monitoring, is of paramount importance. Traditional maintenance approaches often prove inefficient, leading to either unnecessary interventions or unexpected failures. Condition-based maintenance (CBM) emerges as a transformative strategy, incorporating advanced sensing technologies and predictive analytics. By continuously monitoring crucial parameters such as temperature, pressure, and strain, CBM enables real-time analysis, ensuring timely intervention upon detecting anomalies, thereby optimizing SRM lifecycle management. This paper critically evaluates conventional SRM health diagnosis methods and explores emerging sensing technologies. Photonic sensors and fiber-optic sensors, in particular, demonstrate exceptional promise. Their enhanced sensitivity and broad measurement range allow precise monitoring of temperature, strain, pressure, and vibration, capturing subtle changes indicative of degradation or potential failures. These sensors enable comprehensive, non-intrusive monitoring of multiple SRM locations simultaneously. Integrated with data analytics, these sensors empower predictive analysis, facilitating SRM behavior prediction and optimal maintenance planning. Ultimately, CBM, bolstered by advanced photonic sensors, promises enhanced operational availability, reduced costs, improved safety, and efficient resource allocation in SRM applications. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-02-28 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010016 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Benedikt Bergmann, Stefan Gohl, Declan Garvey, Jindřich Jelínek, Petr Smolyanskiy First page: 17 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 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. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-02-29 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010017 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Michael Mayerhofer, Stefan Brenner, Michael Doppler, Luis Catarino, Stefanie Girst, Vesna Nedeljkovic-Groha, Günther Dollinger First page: 18 Abstract: The enormous potential of additive manufacturing (AM), particularly laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), to produce radiofrequency cavities (cavities) has already been demonstrated. However, the required geometrical accuracy for GHz TM010 cavities is currently only achieved by (a) avoiding downskin angles <40∘, which in turn leads to a cavity geometry with reduced performance, or (b) co-printed support structures, which are difficult to remove for small GHz cavities. We have developed an L-PBF-based manufacturing routine to overcome this limitation. To enable arbitrary geometries, co-printed support structures are used that are designed in such a way that they can be removed after printing by electrochemical post-processing, which simultaneously reduces the surface roughness and thus maximizes the quality factor Q0. The manufacturing approach is evaluated on two TM010 single cavities printed entirely from high-purity copper. Both cavities achieve the desired resonance frequency and a Q0 of approximately 8300. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-03-01 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010018 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:James B. Rosenzweig, Gerard Andonian, Ronald Agustsson, Petr M. Anisimov, Aurora Araujo, Fabio Bosco, Martina Carillo, Enrica Chiadroni, Luca Giannessi, Zhirong Huang, Atsushi Fukasawa, Dongsung Kim, Sergey Kutsaev, Gerard Lawler, Zenghai Li, Nathan Majernik, Pratik Manwani, Jared Maxson, Janwei Miao, Mauro Migliorati, Andrea Mostacci, Pietro Musumeci, Alex Murokh, Emilio Nanni, Sean O’Tool, Luigi Palumbo, River Robles, Yusuke Sakai, Evgenya I. Simakov, Madison Singleton, Bruno Spataro, Jingyi Tang, Sami Tantawi, Oliver Williams, Haoran Xu, Monika Yadav First page: 19 Abstract: Recently, considerable work has been directed at the development of an ultracompact X-ray free-electron laser (UCXFEL) based on emerging techniques in high-field cryogenic acceleration, with attendant dramatic improvements in electron beam brightness and state-of-the-art concepts in beam dynamics, magnetic undulators, and X-ray optics. A full conceptual design of a 1 nm (1.24 keV) UCXFEL with a length and cost over an order of magnitude below current X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) has resulted from this effort. This instrument has been developed with an emphasis on permitting exploratory scientific research in a wide variety of fields in a university setting. Concurrently, compact FELs are being vigorously developed for use as instruments to enable next-generation chip manufacturing through use as a high-flux, few nm lithography source. This new role suggests consideration of XFELs to urgently address emerging demands in the semiconductor device sector, as identified by recent national need studies, for new radiation sources aimed at chip manufacturing. Indeed, it has been shown that one may use coherent X-rays to perform 10–20 nm class resolution surveys of macroscopic, cm scale structures such as chips, using ptychographic laminography techniques. As the XFEL is a very promising candidate for realizing such methods, we present here an analysis of the issues and likely solutions associated with extending the UCXFEL to harder X-rays (above 7 keV), much higher fluxes, and increased levels of coherence, as well as methods of applying such a source for ptychographic laminography to microelectronic device measurements. We discuss the development path to move the concept to rapid realization of a transformative XFEL-based application, outlining both FEL and metrology system challenges. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-03-01 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010019 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Enrico Costa First page: 20 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 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. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-03-02 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010020 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Samuel Haeuser, Richard H. J. Kim, Joong-Mok Park, Randall K. Chan, Muhammad Imran, Thomas Koschny, Jigang Wang First page: 21 Abstract: One manifestation of light-Weyl fermion interaction is the emergence of chiral magnetic effects under magnetic fields. Probing real space magnetic responses at terahertz (THz) scales is challenging but highly desired, as the local responses are less affected by the topologically trivial inhomogeneity that is ubiquitous in spatially averaged measurements. Here, we implement a cryogenic THz microscopy instrument under a magnetic field environment—a task only recently achieved. We explore the technical approach of this system and characterize the magnetic field’s influence on our AFM operation by statistical noise analysis. We find evidence for local near-field spatial variations in the topological semimetal ZrTe5 up to a 5-Tesla magnetic field and obtain near-field THz spectra to discuss their implications for future studies on the chiral magnetic effect. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-03-05 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010021 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Karsten Franke, Jann Schöngart, Alexander Mansel First page: 22 Abstract: Four-dimensional visualization, i.e., three-dimensional space plus time, of fluid flow and its interactions in geological materials using positron emission tomography (PET) requires suitable radiotracers that exhibit the desired physicochemical interactions. 76Br is a likely candidate as a conservative tracer in these studies. [76Se]CoSe was produced and used as the target material for the production of 76Br via the (p,n) reaction at a Cyclone 18/9 cyclotron. 76Br was separated from the target by thermochromatographic distillation using a semi-automated system, combining a quartz glass apparatus with a synthesis module. 76Br was successfully produced at the cyclotron with a physical yield of 72 MBq/µAh (EOB). The total radiochemical yield of 76Br from the irradiated [76Se]CoSe target (EOS) was 68.6%. A total of 40 MBq–100 MBq n.c.a. 76Br were routinely prepared for PET experiments in 3 mL 20 mM Cl− solution. The spatial resolution of a PET scan with 76Br in geological materials was determined to be about 5 mm. The established procedure enables the routine investigation of hydrodynamics by PET techniques in geological materials that strongly sorb commonly used PET tracers such as 18F. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-03-13 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010022 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Giovanni Gugliandolo, Antonino Quattrocchi, Giuseppe Campobello, Giovanni Crupi, Nicola Donato First page: 23 Abstract: In recent years, inkjet printing has emerged as a promising advanced fabrication technology in the field of electronics, offering remarkable advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness, design flexibility, and rapid prototyping. For these reasons, inkjet printing technology has been widely adopted in various applications, including printed circuit board fabrication, sensor development (e.g., temperature, humidity, and pressure sensing), and antenna and filter production, up to the microwave frequency range. The present paper is focused on the investigation of a methodology based on Monte Carlo simulations for quantitatively assessing the influence of fabrication tolerances on the performance of inkjet-printed microwave devices. In particular, the proposed methodology is applied to an inkjet-printed hairpin band pass filter specifically tailored for operation in the L band (i.e., from 1 GHz to 2 GHz). The initial design phase involved the use of computer aided design (CAD) software to optimize the geometric dimensions of the designed filter to closely match the desired performance specifications in terms of bandwidth, insertion loss, and return loss. Later, a Monte Carlo analysis was conducted to evaluate the propagation of tolerances in the fabrication process throughout the design and to estimate their effects on device performance. The fabrication process exploited the advanced capabilities of the Voltera inkjet printer, which was used to deposit a silver-based conductive ink on a commercial Rogers substrate. The device’s performance was evaluated by comparing the simulated scattering parameters with those measured on the developed filter using a vector network analyzer (VNA), thus ensuring accurate validation of real-world performance. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-03-16 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010023 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Juan Botero-Valencia, Erick Reyes-Vera, Elizabeth Ospina-Rojas, Flavio Prieto-Ortiz First page: 24 Abstract: In this study, a novel system was designed to enhance the efficiency of data acquisition in a portable and compact instrument dedicated to the spectral analysis of various surfaces, including plant leaves, and materials requiring characterization within the 410 to 915 nm range. The proposed system incorporates two nine-band detectors positioned on the top and bottom of the target surface, each equipped with a digitally controllable LED. The detectors are capable of measuring both reflection and transmission properties, depending on the LED configuration. Specifically, when the upper LED is activated, the lower detector operates without its LED, enabling the precise measurement of light transmitted through the sample. The process is reversed in subsequent iterations, facilitating an accurate assessment of reflection and transmission for each side of the target surface. For reliability, the error estimation utilizes a color checker, followed by a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) implementation integrated into the microcontroller unit (MCU) using TinyML technology for real-time refined data acquisition. The system is constructed with 3D-printed components and cost-effective electronics. It also supports USB or Bluetooth communication for data transmission. This innovative detector marks a significant advancement in spectral analysis, particularly for plant research, offering the potential for disease detection and nutritional deficiency assessment. Citation: Instruments PubDate: 2024-03-17 DOI: 10.3390/instruments8010024 Issue No:Vol. 8, No. 1 (2024)
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