PSD14: International Conference on Position Sensitive Detectors

31 Aug 2026, 18:00 → 4 Sept 2026, 22:00 Europe/London

Mile End Campus: Graduate Centre Foyer and Peston Lecture Theatre (Queen Mary University of London, London, UK)

The conference will feature the latest developments in position sensitive radiation detectors from leading researchers around the world, and across a wide range of scientific disciplines. The conference has a strong multidisciplinary emphasis, and encourages cross-fertilisation and transfer of ideas between researchers working in many fields. In person participation is important. The PSD conference takes place every 3 years, with the first edition held in September 1986.

All sessions are plenary, starting with an overview presentation by a keynote speaker and then the research presentations on that topic.

 

Registration and call for abstracts are now closed. 

Registration includes one place at conference dinner on Wednesday 2 September, and refreshments throughout the 4 days of the conference. Accomodation booked separately at £76/night (see instructions on registration page).

 

The conference will cover a broad range of application areas, including:

• X-ray and gamma-ray imaging applications
• Detector systems for particle and nuclear physics experiments
• Instrumentation for synchrotrons and advanced light sources
• Detectors for neutron science facilities
• Imaging and sensing for life sciences and medical applications
• Space and planetary science detector systems
• Astrophysics and astroparticle detection applications
• Security, environmental, and monitoring applications
• Detectors operating in high-radiation and extreme conditions
• Applications in condensed matter and materials research
• Fast timing and high-rate measurement applications
• Emerging applications of novel and quantum detectors
• Advances in pixel detectors and integration technology
• Gas-based detection detector systems

Thanks to our Sponsors!

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For more info see sponsors tab at left!

Monday 31 August

18:00 → 20:00 Informal Pub/Dinner Meetup - The Cherry - 359 Mile End Road

No booking needed, not a formal or organised event. If you're in town, feel free to drop in and meet a few of the conference organisers.

Tuesday 1 September

10:00 → 12:00 Registration and Coffee

12:00 → 13:00 Lunch

13:00 → 13:30 Opening Session

Convener: Seth Zenz (Queen Mary University of London)

13:00 Introduction and Logistics

Speaker: Seth Zenz (Queen Mary University of London)

13:10 Welcome to Queen Mary University of London

13:20 Proceedings Information

Speaker: Paul Sellin

PSD14 Frontiers FAQ.pdf

Publication of Proceedings - PSD14

13:30 → 14:00 Detectors for Light Sources and Neutron Facilities: Detectors for Light Sources and Neutron Facilities 1

13:30 Introduction to Detectors for Light Sources and Neutron Facilities

13:40 Organic and inorganic neutron detector developments

We present novel thermal and fast neutron detector technologies that have been created at QMUL in collaboration with our industrial partners, AWE and Micron Semiconductor Ltd. These technologies enable the creation of large area thermal and fast neutron detector solutions using organic and inorganic semiconductors. We have demonstrated the ability to detect neutrons over the range of energies from 0.025eV to 16.5MeV with organic semiconductor technology. Our inorganic semiconductor technology enables us to detect fast neutrons with a low photon background contamination, as well as having an enriched boron coating that enables the measurement of thermal neutrons. Simulation has played an important role in the design of these technologies, and also in helping us establish the QMUL Neutron facility. Signals from the organic and inorganic sensors can be acquired and analysed to disambiguate between the fast and thermal neutron components in the data.

Copyright 2026 UK Ministry of Defence © Crown Owned Copyright 2026/AWE

Speaker: Adrian Bevan (Queen Mary University of London (GB))

14:00 → 14:20 Advances in Pixel Detectors & Integration Technologies: Advances in Pixel Detectors And Integration Technologies 0

14:00 Lessons learned from the ATLAS Pixel Detector operation at LHC in Phase-1

After more than 15 years of operation, the ATLAS Pixel Detector will take its final data this June before being replaced with a new all-silicon detector (ITk) during LHC Long Shutdown 3. Its original part, consisting in 3 layers of planar pixel sensor was continuously operating well since the start of LHC collisions in 2008, while its innermost layer, the Insertable B Layer (IBL) at about 3 cm from the beam line, was installed in 2015 before the start of LHC Run2 and consisted of both planar and 3D pixel sensors.
The Pixel detector successfully collected data during LHC runs 1-3, under conditions that exceeded the original specifications by a large factor. Over the years, the Pixel Detector faced a number of technical and operational challenges, particularly in terms of radiation damage, occupancy, and trigger rate. This talk will describe the main issues encountered and the solutions that were found to ensure highest data quality and smooth operation throughout the lifetime of the detector. The lessons learned from the ATLAS Pixel Detector can provide valuable guidance for the design and operation of future experiments.

Speaker: Chris Scheulen (Universite de Geneve (CH))

14:20 → 15:00 Coffee

15:00 → 16:10 Life Sciences and Consensed Matter: Life Sciences and Condensed Matter

15:00 Introduction to Position-Sensitive Detectors in Life Sciences and Condensed Matter

15:10 An Imaging and Spectroscopy Detector for High-Energy, High-Rate Gamma-Ray Measurements during Proton Therapy

Prompt-gamma imaging has the potential to reduce range uncertainties in medical proton therapy by detecting prompt-gamma rays emitted during treatment. Within the REALPATH project, we are developing a novel prompt-gamma imaging camera based on an array of 512 LYSO scintillator pixels (6 mm × 6 mm × 30 mm each) coupled to SiPMs and read out by a custom electronics platform incorporating the SITH (Spectroscopy Imaging Timing Hadrontherapy) ASIC. To accommodate the high fluence delivered by modern medical proton accelerators, the detector is designed to cope with rates of up to 1 Mcps per pixel across all 512 pixels. At the same time, good spectroscopic performance at high energies, in the range of 3 MeV to 6 MeV, is important for effective neutron background rejection and prompt-gamma emission analysis. In this contribution, we present the experimental characterization of the first 64-pixel detector module together with the first proton range measurements in a PMMA phantom at CNAO (Centro Nazionale di Adroterapia Oncologica) in Pavia, Italy. Detector characterization was carried out using $^{137}$Cs and $^{241}$Am-Be radioactive sources, enabling performance studies at count rates exceeding 1 Mcps per pixel and at gamma-ray energies up to 4.4 MeV from the $^{241}$Am-Be source. Using these measurements, we investigated the effect of light sharing between neighboring pixels within each 4x4 SiPM array and developed a correction method that significantly improves the detector's spectroscopic performance. The measurements demonstrate a low dead time of 412 ns per event and an excellent energy resolution of 4.8% FWHM at the 4.44 MeV full-energy peak. These characteristics make the detector a promising candidate not only for prompt-gamma imaging but also for other applications requiring position-sensitive, high-rate gamma-ray spectroscopy.

Speaker: Korbinian Urban (Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering (DEIB), Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy and National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Milan Section, Milan, Italy)

15:30 Leveraging photon counting technology for single-mask x-ray phase contrast micro-CT

X-ray Phase Contrast (XPC) micro-CT enables imaging weakly attenuating samples that are challenging to image with conventional micro-CT. Our group focuses on mask-based XPC, using a highly attenuating mask upstream of the sample to shape the x-ray beam into beamlets. Attenuation and refraction by the sample then cause an intensity reduction and directional shift of the beamlets, respectively.

To detect these effects, a detector with sufficiently small pixels to resolve and “track” the beamlets can be employed; however, this can be impractical due to limitations in matrix size leading to small fields-of-view with high-resolution detectors. With larger-pixel detectors (e.g., common flat panels), tracking the beamlets requires a second mask creating an array of well-defined edges in front of the pixels; however, two exposures with different mask-detector alignments are required to quantitatively extract attenuation and refraction. Photon counting detectors offer reasonably large fields of view (e.g., 77.1 by 38.4 mm$^{2}$) while providing sharp transitions between pixels, removing the need for the second mask and allowing to quantitatively extract attenuation and refraction from a single exposure.

This talk will introduce a single-mask XPC system incorporating a photon counting detector (DECTRIS EIGER2 R 500K) and discuss how its properties can be exploited to improve image quality: on top of the absence of dark noise, ensuring ideal signal-to-noise, the lack of inter-pixel noise correlation enables self-supervised image denoising via Noise2Noise-style approaches. We also illustrate the system’s performance through an application in developmental biology, showing high-contrast images of mouse fetuses that reveal soft-tissue structures inaccessible with conventional micro-CT.

Speaker: KHUSHAL SHAH (University College London)

15:50 New time-of-flight ion imaging system based on LGADs

Time-of-flight ion computed tomography (ToF-iCT) is a promising imaging technique for ion beam therapy, offering the potential to enhance dose conformity and range accuracy through the direct reconstruction of patient stopping power distributions. In this contribution, we present a ToF-iCT demonstrator that has been tested using a medical ion beam. This places demanding requirements on the imaging system, particularly with regard to rate capability, spatial and timing performance, and the material budget. The demonstrator is based on twelve single-sided strip low-gain avalanche diodes (LGADs) in an orthogonal arrangement, which enable single-particle tracking and energy estimation through time-of-flight measurements. We will report on recent developments and research activities, present imaging results from an ongoing imaging campaign, including in vivo imaging of live mice, and outline a use case for range verification with mixed beams, together with the results of the first experiments.

Speaker: Harald Handerkas (TU Wien/Austrian Academy of Sciences)

16:10 → 17:00 Technology developments in gas, X-ray and gamma detectors: Technology Developments in Gas, X-Ray, and Gamma Ray Detectors 1

16:10 Introduction to technology developments in gas, X-ray and gamma detectors

16:20 u-Rwell in cylindrical TPC for nuclear astrophysics

TRIUMF Annular Chamber for Tracking and Identification of Charged Particles (TACTIC) is a cylindrical Active Target Time Projection Chamber (TPC) designed to study alpha-induced charged-particle reactions of astrophysical importance at the relevant energies. The reaction cross section measurements rely on the tracking and identification of the reaction products by means of differential energy loss in the gaseous detection volume. In order to detect the reaction products over a wide range of energies (tens of keV to a few MeV), the novel μ-RWELL (micro-Resistive WELL) detectors are used in TACTIC as the gas multiplication stage. An unique central cathode cage configuration enables the detector to accommodate higher beam intensities (in the order of 107 pps) compared to other active target detectors. This specific feature, combined with a high detection efficiency, allows the measurements of low cross sections (in the order of μb) utilising radioactive ion beams in the astrophysically important energy regions of interest. The thick target technique enables the excitation function over the energy region of interest to be measured simultaneously with one beam energy, resulting in a time-efficient measurement.

We evaluate the performance of large-area μ-RWELL detectors in both planar and cylindrical geometries across various gas mixtures. Key parameters including gas gain and energy resolution achievable are investigated using alpha and 55Fe X-ray sources. Particular emphasis is placed on the characterisation of μ-RWELL in helium-based gas mixtures, motivated by the use of helium as the most common target gas in Active-Target detectors for studying alpha-induced nuclear reactions.

Furthermore, we demonstrate sub-keV energy detection capability and an energy resolution of 9%, highlighting the sensitivity to low-ionising charged particles for ion beam experiments. Finally, we report the successful in-beam experiments with TACTIC at TRIUMF, demonstrating for the first time the implementation of μ-RWELL detectors in a curved geometry for such applications.

Speaker: Lara Malpas (University of York)

16:40 Positive ion-initiated secondary avalanches in a gas time projection chamber with an intensified camera readout

Micropatterned gas Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) are of interest for rare event physics where 3D reconstruction of low-energy recoil tracks has the potential to provide unique sensitivity to various searches, such as Dark Matter [1]. Camera based readouts for gas TPCs are gaining popularity to measure low-energy tracks for low cost per channel, high resolution and isolation of the readout from the sensitive gas volume.

We have recently developed a gas TPC called CYGNUS-n. This talk will discuss initial performance test of CYGNUS-n and the analysis methods. I will also report on measurements taken to explore the effect of the back flow of positive ions through the avalanche stage composed of two thin gas electron multipliers (GEMs), in low pressure CF4. Secondary avalanches caused by the back flowing positive ions on the first GEM stage were studied, along with the conditions which maximised these secondary avalanches. Upto 18$\%$ additional measurable light yield from secondary avalanches was observed. By fast gating the camera intensifier, we have confirmed the secondary avalanches are spatially correlated with the initial track, with additional expected broadening due to the inter-GEM diffusion. We have quantified spatial resolution of the initial, secondary and combined avalanches as measured by the camera. These results suggest principles for tuning the operational parameters of multi-GEM gain stages, and can be used to optimise the trade-off between measured light intensity and track broadening when using camera-based optical readouts for gas detectors.

References
[1] Vahsen, S.E., O’Hare, C.A.J., Lynch, W.A., Spooner, N.J.C., Baracchini, E., Barbeau,
P., Battat, J.B.R., Crow, B., Deaconu, C., Eldridge, C. and Ezeribe, A.C., 2020. CYGNUS: Feasibility of a nuclear recoil observatory with directional sensitivity to dark matter and neutri-nos.arXiv preprint arXiv:2008.12587.

Speaker: Victoria Bashu (The Australian National University)

17:00 → 18:00 Welcome Drink

Wednesday 2 September

09:00 → 10:00 Detectors for Light Sources and Neutron Facilities: Detectors for Light Sources and Neutron Facilities 2

09:00 A Compact SiPM-Based Neutron Anger Camera with Sub-Millimeter Spatial Resolution and Time-of-Flight Imaging Capability

Position-sensitive neutron detectors combining spatial, temporal, and spectroscopic capabilities are increasingly demanded for neutron scattering instruments and time-of-flight (ToF) beamlines. We report on a compact neutron Anger camera designed as a proof-of-concept for large-area scintillation-based imaging systems.

The detector employs a 1 mm thick GS20 lithium glass scintillator coupled to a 6 mm boron-free quartz light spreader, with reflective coatings to maximize light collection. Scintillation photons are detected by a custom SiPM matrix of 192 Hamamatsu devices arranged in a 16 × 12 configuration, each with a 6 × 6 mm² active area and 6.1 mm pitch, yielding a 12 × 8 cm² active area. Readout is handled by three FERS acquisition modules performing event-by-event digitization and timestamping via optical links to a central concentrator.

Event localization relies on a center-of-mass algorithm applied to the SiPM light distribution, enabling sub-pixel interpolation into a virtual 320 × 240 pixel image space. Detector characterization was performed with a deuterium-tritium neutron source. Edge-spread function analysis on sharp-edge and slit-mask phantoms yielded an effective spatial resolution of ~0.3 mm, well below the physical SiPM pitch, confirming the Anger reconstruction effectiveness. Images show good linearity and uniformity across the full active area.

Preliminary timing measurements demonstrate a resolution of ~1 ns, enabling ToF-based energy-resolved neutron imaging from pulsed sources. The system supports both integrated and frame-based acquisition modes with online reconstruction.

These results establish SiPM-based Anger cameras as a scalable architecture for high-resolution, spectrally resolved neutron imaging in next-generation instrumentation.

Speaker: Yuri Venturini (CAEN)

09:20 Characterization of inverse LGAD in soft X-ray energy range.

At PSI, we are developing inverse Low-Gain Avalanche Diode (iLGAD) sensors in collaboration with Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) to extend the application of hybrid detectors to the soft X-ray range. iLGAD features an internal gain layer, which enables a significant increase in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for soft X-ray detection. To account for the shallow absorption depth of low-energy photons, we implemented a thin entrance window (TEW) in the iLGAD to enhance its quantum efficiency (QE).

In this presentation, we will report on the QE measurements of the latest TEW batch, which exceed 85% at 250 eV—comparable to state-of-the-art soft X-ray detectors. Beyond QE, we will also present recent beam-test results obtained at the MAX IV synchrotron using soft X-rays from 390 eV to 2500 eV. The iLGAD was bump-bonded to the MÖNCH [1] charge-integrating readout chip, featuring a pixel size of 25 μm. The results demonstrate that single-photon detection can be achieved at 400 eV with an SNR > 5.

Furthermore, a reduction in signal amplitude was observed at the Si K-edge (1839 eV). To investigate this, a grazing incidence beam test was performed at ESRF using a focused beam to map the gain at various photon absorption depths. The analysis reveals that the gain for photons absorbed immediately after the gain layer is lower than for deeper absorption. At the Si K-edge, the X-ray attenuation length drops sharply from 14 μm to 1 μm, shifting the majority of photon absorption into this lower-gain region and explaining the observed amplitude drop. These experimental findings show good agreement with dynamic gain simulations using TCAD.

[1] M. Ramilli, et al 2017 JINST 12 C01071

Speaker: Shuqi Li

09:40 HEXITEC$_{\textrm{MHz}}$ – a 1 MHz continuous frame rate spectroscopic X-ray imaging detector system

The upgrade of photon light sources to diffraction-limited storage rings, alongside the demands of techniques such as Hyperspectral X-ray Tomography, requires spectroscopic X-ray imaging detectors capable of operating at significantly higher photon fluxes than previous generations permitted. HEXITEC$_{\textrm{MHz}}$, developed at STFC, is the latest generation of the HEXITEC spectroscopic X-ray imaging detector family. Coupled to HF-CdZnTe sensor material and achieving a 1 MHz continuous frame rate, HEXITEC$_{\textrm{MHz}}$ delivers high-resolution spectroscopy across 2–200 keV at fluxes exceeding 10⁶ ph s⁻¹ mm⁻², representing a greater than hundred-fold improvement on the 9.1 kHz frame rate of the original HEXITEC system. Sensor characterisation measurements have demonstrated an energy resolution of 1.2 keV FWHM at fluxes of 10⁶ ph s⁻¹ mm⁻², confirming that high spectroscopic performance is maintained under high-flux conditions [1, 2].

HEXITEC$_{\textrm{MHz}}$ is designed as a compact, deployable instrument with a camera head footprint of ~6 cm × 6 cm × 30 cm, requiring only a 12 V supply and a small chiller unit for operation, with data transmitted via fibre optic. Maintaining the 250 μm pixel pitch of the original ASIC, the system achieves its 1 MHz frame rate through an integrating front-end architecture, in-pixel digitisation, and high-speed serialisers. This paper presents the full HEXITEC$_{\textrm{MHz}}$ camera system, covering the ASIC pixel architecture, in-FPGA data correction and compression algorithms, DAQ control software and firmware, and hardware- and software-triggered acquisition modes.

Working with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, a series of measurements using a 160 keVp W X-ray source validated HEXITEC$_{\textrm{MHz}}$ across several experiments. Spectroscopic radiography of Au, Pt, and Au+Pt samples confirmed the system's ability to differentiate elements separated by only one atomic number. The system's suitability for time-resolved studies was further demonstrated through dynamic spectroscopic radiography of ion drift of critical materials in solution within a magnetic field, achieving a temporal resolution of 100 ms. Combined Radiography, Energy and Angular Diffraction Imaging (READI) was also demonstrated on powder samples. These results highlight the 100 ms dynamic imaging capability in particular as a distinctive strength, positioning HEXITEC$_{\textrm{MHz}}$ as a versatile platform for high-flux spectroscopic X-ray imaging across a broad range of scientific applications.

[1] M.C Veale et al., Preliminary characterisation of the HEXITEC$_{\textrm{MHz}}$ spectroscopic X-ray imaging detector, J. Inst. 18 (2023) P07048 doi:10.1088/1748-0221/18/07/P07048.

[2] B. Cline et al., Characterisation of HEXITEC$_{\textrm{MHz}}$ - A 1 MHz continuous frame rate spectroscopic X-ray imaging detector system, Nuc. Inst. Meth. A. 1057 (2023) 168718 doi:10.1016/j.nima.2023.168718.

Speaker: Ben Cline

10:00 → 10:30 Coffee

10:30 → 12:00 Astrophysics, Space, and Extreme Environments: Astrophysics, Space, and Extreme Environments 1

10:30 Introduction to Detectors for Astrophysics, Space and Extreme Environments

Speaker: David Hall

10:40 Testing CMOS image sensors for future space telescope missions

Future space telescope missions require state-of-the-art, high-resolution detectors that can measure light with a wide range of wavelengths. CMOS image sensors are being considered as detector technologies for such telescopes, with Teledyne e2v’s CIS300 family being a prime candidate. Missions such as ARRAKIHS and CASTOR, which aim to study dark matter and galaxy formation, have chosen the CIS300 as its main detector. Other missions considering the CIS300 include NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory, which aims to study earth-like planets.

The CIS300 is a large area CMOS image sensor that can detect light with wavelengths from UV to near-IR, suitable for various astronomical applications. Its large area and three-side-buttable package allow for tessellation, with minimal dead space, into a large focal plane. It can withstand the harsh conditions in space, as it can operate in a wide range of temperatures and has radiation-hard versions. It can operate in rolling shutter or global shutter (with optional digital double sampling) modes, a staircase mode, and a high dynamic range mode. It has multiple gains at the pixel level and at the preamplifier level, which can be set independently. Optimisation of the gains and modes of operations can give readout noise below 2 e− rms, which can be used with long integration times to capture dim objects.

The various settings and modes of operation of the CIS300 require thorough testing, characterisation, and optimisation. A dedicated setup has been developed to perform a suite of standard electro-optical tests including dark current, readout noise, linearity, and quantum efficiency. Testing of the CIS300 is underway, enabling the detector technologies necessary for future space telescope missions.

Speaker: Anabel Romero Hernandez (Open University)

11:00 Insights into CCD trap defects from in-orbit trap pumping on the Euclid VIS instrument.

The VIS instrument onboard the Euclid space telescope (which launched in 2023) is the first in-orbit instrument to include trap pumping as part of its calibration routines to assist with the correction of image distortions due to charge transfer inefficiency (CTI) caused by charge trap defects. Trap pumping is a method to identify individual charge trap defects in a CCD, allowing the sub-pixel location and emission time constant to be determined.
This work presents a further study of this trap pumping data focusing on how the trap defects created by the radiation environment of Euclid compare to the pre-launch testing and predictions. It also explores the unexplored behaviour found of some individual trap defects when observed over a long period of time.

Speaker: Toby Wallage (Open University)

11:20 Performance evaluation of the AstroPix v3 and v4 HV-CMOS Sensors: Results from the DESY II Testbeam

AstroPix is a novel monolithic High-Voltage CMOS (HV-CMOS) active pixel sensor designed for use in medium-range gamma-ray observatories like AMEGO-X. To meet mission requirements, the sensor must demonstrate low power consumption (< 1.5 mW/cm2) and deliver a required dynamic range between 25 and 700 keV with an energy resolution below 10% at 122 keV. The third sensor version features a pixel matrix of 35x35 pixels with a 500 um pitch, and is a first full-scale chip. A coordinate readout scheme is implemented by connecting pixels via logical OR lines along both rows and columns. This provides independent row and column signals which are matched to pinpoint the event location. Version four contains a smaller pixel matrix of 13x16 pixels and features a per-pixel readout, which will be the standard for all subsequent versions. To maximize the probability of photon detection, full depletion of the sensor is critical. We are evaluating the performance of the devices, including charged particle detection efficiency, spatial resolution, and depletion depth, in a dedicated testbeam environment at the DESY II Testbeam Facility. Utilizing a reference tracking telescope, we can precisely evaluate the device-under-test performance by direct data comparison under controlled conditions. This talk will present the integration and performance validation of the AstroPix v3 and v4 sensors within the beam telescopes, along with first experimental results from the recent beamtimes.

Speaker: Elizaveta Sitnikova (Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DE))

11:40 A compact Radiation Monitor for the LISA experiment

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) will be the first space-based gravitational-wave observatory sensitive in the 0.1 mHz-1 Hz band. Background radiation can limit LISA sensitivity at the lower frequencies. To monitor and characterize this environment, a compact Radiation Monitor (RM) has been developed for the LISA mission. The RM is designed to measure the integral cosmic-ray proton flux with a statistical precision of about 1% in approximately one hour, while satisfying strict constraints on mass, volume, and power consumption. The detector is based on plastic scintillators read out by silicon photomultipliers, combined with tungsten absorbers and copper shielding to reject low-energy protons. Signal processing is performed using a low-power ASIC, custom developed for space applications. An FPGA controls the ASIC, the trigger logic and processes the digitized data. The flux and energy information is obtained from the coincidence counts for the four scintillators. We evaluated the performance of the RM, assessed through Monte Carlo simulations and dedicated experiments performed with a proton beam at TRIUMF (up to 480 MeV) and 160 GeV/c muons at SPS (CERN). We will present results of the detector acceptance, angular response and discuss the capabilities for spectrum and direction reconstruction.

Speaker: Roberta Pillera (Universita e INFN, Bari (IT))

12:00 → 13:00 Lunch

13:00 → 14:00 Posters and Exhibitions 1

14:00 → 16:00 Emerging Technologies: Emerging Technologies 1

14:00 Introduction to emerging technologies

14:10 4H-SiC LGADs: fabrication-stability optimisation using TCAD simulations

The wide-bandgap semiconductor 4H-SiC offers radiation hardness, thermal stability and a high critical field, making it an attractive fast-timing detector material that can operate without cooling in harsh environments. To compensate for its low charge generation, the low-gain avalanche diode (LGAD) concept provides internal amplification, but device performance hinges on a narrow gain-layer implant whose batch-to-batch variability currently limits reproducibility.
We present TCAD work on 4H-SiC LGADs developed within the CAPADS programme together with onsemi, building on three generations of single-pad prototypes and extending toward segmented devices. A trustworthy device model was established by matching simulated and measured capacitance-voltage curves through the epitaxial concentration, epitaxial thickness and gain-layer dose, since the standard SiC TCAD models and low-concentration SIMS are insufficient on their own; this revealed significant gaps between nominal and effective fabrication parameters. With the calibrated model, two instabilities were identified: a strong sensitivity of gain to the gain-layer nitrogen dose, and aluminium dopant channelling that produces a parasitic secondary junction below the gain layer, highly dependent on implantation tilt. A change of implantation tilt from 0° to 5° is proposed to suppress the channelling tail and stabilise the gain, and verification wafers were fabricated and characterised. Building on this single-pad understanding, we report the first fabricated and characterised segmented 4H-SiC LGADs: strip detectors with 80 µm pitch and pixel arrays with 55 and 110 µm pitch, using inter-channel isolation strategies including geometric separation and oxide-filled trenches. Together these results advance both the reproducibility and the spatial segmentation of 4H-SiC LGADs.

Speaker: Tobias Vasiljev (FNSPE CTU in Prague)

14:30 SiPMs in direct detection of charged particles for timing: applications and in-SiPM and in-SPAD performance using MIPs

Silicon PhotoMultipliers (SiPMs) are increasingly recognized as detectors of choice for a wide range of applications due to their high photon detection efficiency, compactness, low cost and insensitivity to magnetic fields. This work demonstrates their capability to directly detect charged particles with excellent time resolution by leveraging Cherenkov radiation generated within the detector’s standard protective layer, eliminating the need for an external radiator and enabling a simple and compact detection concept.
Measurements with FBK's standard SiPMs featuring different protective layer thicknesses achieve near 100$\%$ detection efficiency, significantly exceeding the nominal geometrical fill factor. A time resolution below 20 ps, including sensor and electronic contributions, is consistently observed across devices with different active areas (1×1 mm$^2$, 3×3 mm$^2$) and microcell pitches (20, 40 $\mu$m).
Radiation tolerance studies on 1×1 mm$^2$ SiPMs show no significant degradation in time resolution up to fluences of 10$^{10}$ 1 MeV n$_\textit{eq}$ cm$^{-2}$. While radiation exposure increases the dark count rate, optimized signal thresholds can mitigate this effect, with negligible loss in detection efficiency.
Using a tracking system and charged particles, recent measurements of SiPMs without protective layers deepen the understanding of the detection mechanism and characterize detection efficiency and time resolution. Specifically, partially processed prototypes of a novel Back Side Illuminated SiPM, designed for improved performances by FBK in collaboration with INFN, exhibit promising uniform performance.
The results highlight SiPMs with standard layer as simple, versatile detectors for both photons and charged particles, combining excellent timing, high efficiency, radiation tolerance and noise rejection. Possible applications span various domains where Time Of Flight (TOF) information is important, such as High-Energy Physics (HEP) or space measurements.

Speaker: Bianca Sabiu (Universita e INFN, Bologna (IT))

14:50 Towards a Superconducting Luminometer for FCC-ee: Device Physics, Detector Response, and Beam Performance

Superconducting nano-wire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) combine sub-eV sensitivity with intrinsic timing capabilities approaching the picosecond scale, making them compelling candidates for a new generation of high-energy physics detectors. Extending the exceptional single-photon performance of SNSPDs to relativistic charged particles enables high precision luminometry applications for future colliders, such as the Future Circular Collider (FCC), where a $10^{−4}$ precision level is envisaged.

In this presentation we investigate the interaction of charged particles with superconducting nano-wires using NbTiN, NbN and $MgB_{2}$ SNSPD devices. Detector performance is evaluated using laboratory $^{90}Sr$ source and 160 GeV pion beams at the CERN SPS within a EUDET-type MIMOSA-26 beam telescope providing ∼5 μm tracking resolution. Detection efficiency, spatial response, and timing characteristics of the devices are probed as a function of nano-wire geometry, bias conditions, and superconducting material properties.

To interpret microscopic detection mechanisms, measurements are complemented with a comprehensive simulation framework, linking charged-particle energy deposition to superconducting dynamics and electronic signal formation. Energy deposition is modeled within GEANT4 by implementing a custom extension of the Photo Absorption Ionization (PAI) model below the 10 eV Sandia tables limit using a Drude–Lorentz approximation. This approach explores the crucial low-energy excitation spectrum, relevant to the 800 meV effective threshold of tested geometries. The subsequent evolution of the superconducting condensate and transient resistive hot-spot formation are studied through time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau simulations, while SPICE-based circuit modeling generates expected pulse formation and readout behavior.

Together, these results provide direct insight into the coupling of ionizing radiation to superconducting nano-wires and establish the physical foundations for SNSPD-based charged-particle detectors with ultrafast timing capabilities. Ongoing production efforts and upcoming beam campaigns represent an important step toward fully superconducting tracking and luminometry systems for next-generation collider experiments.

Speaker: Dr Vagelis Gkougkousis (University of Zurich)

15:10 Design and Performance of Fast Analog Pixel Test Structures for the ALICE ITS3 Upgrade

The ALICE ITS3 upgrade represents a major step forward in silicon tracking, employing the commercial 65 nm CMOS imaging technology (TPSCo) to develop ultra-thin monolithic active pixel sensors (MAPS) for high-energy physics applications. The target performance includes spatial resolution below 5 μm, an extremely low material budget (0.09% $X_0$ per layer), and a radiation tolerance up to 4×10$^{12}$ 1 MeV n$_{eq}$ cm$^{−2}$ for ALICE ITS3 detector.
Within the R&D framework, several pixel test structures have been designed and fabricated to explore both sensor geometries and front-end architectures. In particular, analog pixel test structures (APTS) featuring a fast operational amplifier (-OA) as output buffer have been developed to investigate the charge collection dynamics and the intrinsic timing performance of the sensor. Measurements performed with charge particle beam demonstrated a time resolution of 63 ps, combined with a charge collection efficiency above 99% and a spatial resolution better than 3 μm, with a stable performance up to 1×10$^{14}$ 1 MeV n$_{eq}$ cm$^{−2}$.
Building on these results, a second engineering run (ER2) introduced three novel APTS-OA variants targeting improved detector performance and radiation robustness. The new designs aim at enhancing the lateral electric field through sensor doping optimization, reducing the input capacitance from 2 fF to 600 aF. This upgrade will improve the signal-to-noise ratio, increasing radiation hardness while preserving fast charge collection. In addition, the front-end architecture has been optimized for small pixel pitches (10 μm), compatible with future ultra-high granularity tracking detectors.
This contribution presents the results obtained during a dedicated test beam campaign, with particular focus on charge collection properties and their impact on timing performance. A direct comparison among the ER2 variants and the baseline APTS-OA structure developed during the first TPSCo 65 nm technology validation phase will be discussed, highlighting the effect of sensor optimization on charge sharing, signal formation, and time resolution.

Speaker: Umberto Savino (Universita e INFN Torino (IT))

15:30 A novel LGAD design with continuous gain layer: MARTHA

MARTHA (Monolithic Array of Reach-Through Avalanche Diodes) is a novel LGAD concept developed for future high-granularity timing detectors requiring simultaneous precision timing and high spatial resolution, as envisioned for next-generation collider experiments such as FCC-ee.
By introducing an additional low-doped n-layer between the n+ contact and the gain layer, the electric field distribution is sufficiently reduced to allow sensor pixelation without segmentation of the gain layer itself. As a consequence, MARTHA provides a true 100% fill-factor architecture while preserving intrinsic gain properties.
The MARTHA concept is currently in the proof-of-principle phase. So far, eight wafers featuring three different gain-layer implementations have been designed and produced by the Halbleiterlabor der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft (HLL-MPG) on 450 μm thick substrates. The initial substrate
thickness was chosen to address requirements from photon-science applications; future productions will optimize the implant design to be produced on thinner wafers, to achieve timing performance competitive with high-energy physics applications.
First characterization studies have been performed using Transient Current Technique (TCT) measurements and particle-beam tests. The voltage dependence of the gain and spread across the wafer of the three MARTHA variants was investigated using a 1060 nm infrared laser system.
Stable gains in the range 20-80 are obtained, which are larger than for typical LGAD (G∼10-20).
In addition, the timing performance of dedicated diode structures was studied during a beam campaign at the DESY II test beam facility. A timing resolution of 281 ps, after jitter subtraction, was obtained, in agreement with expectations for LGAD sensors of this thickness. Furthermore, strip sensors with a pitch of 100 μm were investigated using a dedicated readout system at the DESY II test beam facility with 5 GeV electron beams, to determine the MIP detection efficiency in the inter-strip region. These measurements provide a first validation of the MARTHA concept for highly segmented detector geometries.
This contribution presents the MARTHA sensor concept together with the first experimental characterization results from laboratory and test-beam measurements.

Speaker: Esther Constanze Wais (Hamburg University (DE))

16:00 → 18:00 Coffee, Posters, Exhibitions 2

18:30 → 21:00 Conference Dinner

Thursday 3 September

09:00 → 09:45 Emerging Technologies: Emerging Technologies 2

09:00 Self-Quenching 3D Trench Detectors: Geometry-Driven Gain and Fast Timing

This study investigates a novel, ultra-thin 3D silicon detector featuring submicron columnar electrodes fabricated via an advanced 8-inch CMOS process at the IME-CAS. With an active thickness of 30 μm and a column diameter of only 0.5 μm, the architecture generates high localized electric fields that enable intrinsic charge multiplication without the requirement for dedicated gain layers (e.g., as in LGADs). The sensors were characterized using Two-Photon and Three-Photon Absorption Transient Current Techniques (2PA-TCT and 3PA), allowing for high-resolution, position-resolved mapping of charge collection, gain, and timing across the device volume. In non-irradiated devices, clear evidence of impact-ionization-driven gain was observed at bias voltages above full depletion, reaching values of 7.5 at 60 V (near breakdown) with a relatively uniform lateral distribution.
Key Findings:
• Spatial Gain Profile: Charge multiplication exhibits a pronounced depth dependence, peaking at the tip of the central electrode where the electric field is most intense.
• Radiation Tolerance: Following irradiation to a fluence of 5e15 neq/cm2, a gain of 5 was still achievable at room temperature. Further testing at -20C demonstrated increased maxima. bias and enhanced gain performance.
• Self-Stabilization Mechanism: Notably, the electrode tip, traditionally the primary site for premature breakdown for 3D column devices, exhibits a "self-quenching" behavior. This stabilization is driven by field-focusing and subsequent screening of the external field, a phenomenon absent in the thicker columnar geometries used in current ATLAS and CMS 3D pixel upgrades.
These results suggest that geometry-driven gain in submicron 3D detectors offers a robust path toward radiation-hard, fast-timing sensors with inherent breakdown protection.

Speaker: Prof. Gordana Lastovicka Medin (University of Montenegro (ME))

09:20 Development and Characterization of TESs and JESs for Ultra-Sensitive Low-Energy Radiation Detection

Among the main challenges in modern fundamental physics, low-energy phenomena related to dark matter searches, cosmic microwave background (CMB), and gravitational-wave astronomy require ultra-sensitive detectors. Transition Edge Sensors (TESs) and Josephson Escape Sensors (JESs) [Phys. Rev. Applied 14, 2020] are promising candidates for the development of single-photon calorimeters and ultra-sensitive bolometers operating from the infrared to the THz regime. TESs currently achieve noise-equivalent power (NEP) of the order of $10^{-19}$ $W/\sqrt{Hz}$ and energy resolution of a few meV. Within the STEEP project of INFN, we aim to develop bolometers with $NEP\simeq 10^{-20}$ $W/\sqrt{Hz}$ and calorimeters with energy resolution $\delta E \simeq 400$ $\mu$eV, improving current performance by approximately one order of magnitude.

To optimise the detectors’ performance, which share a common structure, each component is studied separately. A gold shunt resistor is developed and characterised through temperature-dependent resistivity measurements to ensure stable electrothermal feedback. The electrodes require large-gap superconductors to minimise resistance and thermal leaks. Niobium electrodes were investigated, allowing operation over a wider temperature range, but fabrication challenges led to the selection of aluminium for the final device. The active region consists of a 15 nm Al / 12 nm Cu bilayer, with $T_c \simeq$ $400 mK$. The superconducting properties and their dependence on the dimensions, bias current, and temperature were studied via 4-terminal cryogenic measurements. Decrease of the width revealed a crossover from two-dimensional to one-dimensional behaviour, described by the 2D BKT and 1D Ivanchenko–Zil'berman models, respectively, while preliminary results indicate a NEP of $10^{-18}$ $W/\sqrt{Hz}$ in TES configuration and approaching $10^{-24}$ $W/\sqrt{Hz}$ in JES configuration. These results establish the material and device parameters required for the future implementation of frequency-domain multiplexed TES/JES focal-plane arrays.

Speaker: Anastasia Kotsovolou (University of Pisa and INFN Pisa)

09:45 → 11:00 Coffee, Poster, Exhibitions 3

11:00 → 12:20 Applications in Particle Physics: Applications in Particle Physics 1

11:00 Applications of Position Sensitive Detectors in Particle Physics and Pixel Detectors

Speaker: Francisca Munoz Sanchez (The University of Manchester (GB))

11:15 ATLAS Inner Tracker Upgrade for High-Luminosity LHC

The ATLAS experiment is currently preparing for an upgrade of the Inner Tracking for High-Luminosity LHC operation, scheduled to start in 2030. The radiation damage at the maximum integrated luminosity of 4000/fb implies integrated hadron fluencies over 2x1016neq/cm2 and tracking in a very dense environment call for a replacement of the existing Inner Detector. An all-silicon Inner Tracker (ITk) is proposed with a pixel detector surrounded by a strip detector. After an extensive prototyping phase, all the institutes involved in the ITk are currently in pre-production or production mode. In this contribution we present the design of the ITk Detector and its expected performance. An overview of the current status of the various detector components, both pixel, strip and the other common items, focusing on the preparation for production, with its more challenging aspects, will be summarized. The talk will focus on key challenges overcome and lessons learned during the production.

Speaker: Francisca Munoz Sanchez (The University of Manchester (GB))

11:35 Pushing TOF Timing to the Limit with Cherenkov Light and SiPM Arrays

In the framework of the ECFA‑DRD4 project, we have developed high‑precision Time‑of‑Flight (TOF) detectors based on thin, high‑refractive‑index Cherenkov radiators read out by arrays of silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). The concept exploits the prompt nature of Cherenkov emission to achieve ultimate system‑level time resolution.

The main factors affecting the timing performance were investigated through comprehensive Monte Carlo simulations, whose predictions were subsequently validated with experimental beam‑test data. Prototype detectors equipped with Hamamatsu SiPM arrays and various window materials—including fused silica and MgF₂—were tested at the CERN PS T10 beam line using "off-the-shelf" readout electronics. A time resolution better than 30 ps was achieved at single SiPM pixel level with 100% charged‑particle detection efficiency. The measured time resolution shows the expected improvement with the number of fired SiPM channels, scaling approximately as (1/\sqrt{N_{\text{SiPM}}}) within experimental uncertainties.

These results demonstrate that a TOF detector based on thin fused‑silica radiators coupled to SiPM arrays represents a significant advancement for next‑generation particle‑identification systems targeting higher momenta and will be essential for pile‑up mitigation and 4D tracking in future high‑luminosity collider environments.

Future directions for further improving the already promising results achieved will also be discussed.

Speaker: Nicola Nicassio (Universita e INFN, Bari (IT))

11:55 ALICE 3 Inner Tracker: Design and Developments

ALICE 3 is pursued as the next-generation heavy-ion detector aiming to fully exploit the LHC with different collision systems in Run 5. A key component of the detector is the Vertex Detector, designed to provide a pointing resolution of 10 μm at $p_T$ = 200 MeV/c. It will be surrounded by tracking layers and disks to cover a pseudorapidity range of $|\eta| \leq$ 2.5. It will exploit CMOS silicon pixel sensors produced. The three innermost layers of the Vertex Detector will be installed in a secondary vacuum within the beam pipe, with a material budget as low as 0.1% $X_0$ per layer and sensors having a spatial resolution of 2.5 μm. Its retractable design allows the innermost layer to be placed 0.5 cm from the interaction point, posing critical challenges in terms of particle hit rates, bandwidth, and radiation load. The tracking layers target a spatial resolution of 10 μm and their design focuses on the large-area coverage based on a modular and scalable production, while targeting a material budget of 1% $X_0$ per layer to achieve the required momentum resolution. This presentation discusses the design considerations for the ALICE 3 Inner Tracker, reviews the performance studies and presents the R&D activities.

Speaker: Kshitij Agarwal (Universita e INFN Trieste (IT))

12:20 → 13:20 Lunch

13:20 → 15:00 Technology developments in gas, X-ray and gamma detectors: Technology developments in gas, X-ray and gamma detectors 2

13:20 Development of Thin, Thermally Stable n-type Junctions for Segmented HPGe Detectors via Pulsed Laser Melting

High-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors represent the state of the art in gamma-ray spectroscopy, where position-sensitive capabilities play a crucial role in improving spatial resolution and event reconstruction. The performance of segmented HPGe detectors, however, is still constrained by lithium-diffused n⁺ contacts, which introduce thick inactive layers, limit fine segmentation, and exhibit poor thermal stability during annealing cycles.
A novel technology for the fabrication of thin, thermally stable, and highly segmentable n-type junctions for lithium-free HPGe detectors is presented. The approach combines magnetron sputtering of dopant precursors with Pulsed Laser Melting (PLM), enabling the formation of ultra-shallow junctions with sharp interfaces ideally suited for position-sensitive applications.
The technology has been successfully extended from small-scale devices to large-area, segmented, and thick detectors. Owing to the extremely shallow nature of the junctions, a comprehensive optimization of surface preparation, contamination control, segmentation strategies, and surface passivation has been required.
The resulting detectors exhibit excellent thermal stability under annealing conditions, high inter-segment resistance, and reliable operation at bias voltages exceeding the depletion voltage, ensuring efficient charge collection. These characteristics enable accurate signal localization and support pulse shape analysis techniques.
Overall, PLM-based junctions represent a promising route toward next-generation position-sensitive HPGe detectors, with significant potential impact on nuclear spectroscopy and radiation detection applications.

Speaker: Walter Raniero (INFN-LNL)

13:40 Beam test results of the pixel-readout beam-particle monitor for the CSR external-target experiment

The Cooler Storage Ring External-Target Experiment (CEE) requires a high-precision Beam-Particle Monitor (BPM) to track individual heavy-ion beam particles. Reliable detection of lighter ions, such as Carbon, at particle rates up to 1 MHz is essential for precise primary vertex reconstruction and beam diagnostics.
The BPM employs a dual micro-Time Projection Chamber (micro-TPC) architecture operating at atmospheric pressure. It utilizes custom-designed Topmetal-CEEv2 monolithic pixel charge sensors and double-layer Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) amplification. To evaluate the detector's baseline capabilities, a beam test was conducted using Carbon ions in the absence of a magnetic field. The system utilized an asynchronous, data-driven zero-suppression readout to efficiently record spatial and temporal track coordinates.
The Carbon ion beam test successfully validated the BPM’s high-precision tracking capabilities. Residual analysis demonstrated single-row transverse spatial resolutions of better than 50 µm and arrival time resolutions of approximately 15 ns. By correlating track segments between the orthogonal micro-TPCs, the system achieved an absolute incident time ($t_0$) reconstruction precision of better than 100 ns. Furthermore, the development of offline reconstruction algorithms and calibration procedures, including event reconstruction under non-uniform magnetic fields, space-charge effect corrections, online energy calibration, and pixel time-walk corrections, will also be presented.

Speaker: Hulin Wang (Central China Normal University)

14:00 FasXcam: a monolithic active pixel sensor for fast, energy-resolved soft X-ray imaging

Direct-detection, energy-resolved X-ray imaging at high frame rates and low dead time is challenging for conventional detectors, which typically trade spatial resolution, speed and per-photon spectral information against one another. We present FasXcam, a monolithic active pixel sensor (MAPS) for energy-resolved soft X-ray imaging developed by the CAPADS group as a successor to the X-CHIP and SpacePix detector families.
Fabricated in a 180 nm SOI CMOS process, it integrates the full signal chain on-substrate from charge collection through digitisation and high-speed serial readout. The device comprises two electrically independent chiplets forming a 64 × 64 matrix of 60 µm pixels (≈14.7 mm² active area). Each pixel contains a charge-sensitive amplifier, a peak-detector-hold stage and a discriminator; signals are digitised by column-parallel asynchronous SAR ADCs (8-bit effective, one converter serving two columns) and streamed over high-speed LVDS links. Global- and rolling-shutter readout are supported, the latter reducing dead time to two rows and reaching ≈15,500 frames/s at a ≈300 MHz system clock. On-chip charge injection, a temperature sensor and external ADC test paths enable in-situ characterisation.
We report the first full functional verification of the chip. Pixel noise maps show homogeneous response without structural defects, and per-pixel charge-injection scans define the nonlinear charge-to-ADC transfer used for energy calibration. Spectra acquired with ⁵⁵Fe and ²³⁸Pu resolve the characteristic lines at 5.9/6.4 keV and 13.6/17.1 keV; Gaussian fits yield ≈0.33 keV FWHM at 5.9 keV and confirm near-linear response up to ≈20 keV after nonlinearity correction, validating the architecture for fast, spectroscopic X-ray imaging.

Speaker: Marek Tunkl (FNSPE CTU in Prague)

14:20 Embedding Position Sensitivity in the Detector with ANNA: an Analog Neural Network ASIC

Neural networks (NNs) are promising solutions for achieving fast and efficient reconstruction of the position of interaction in detectors, usually combining accuracy with ultra-low power operation. In scintillator-based PET and SPECT gamma cameras, embedding NN processing early in the acquisition chain can simplify the system design, reducing throughput, power consumption and scanner cost. NNs are mostly implemented in PCs, GUIs and FPGAs. In this work, we report the development of an Analog Neural Network ASIC (ANNA), which exploits the analog nature of detector signals and implements on-chip a NN without prior digitalization of signals. ANNA features a fully analog charge domain processing architecture enabling the implementation of configurable feedforward fully connected analog NN. Each neuron consists of an efficient multiplication and summing unit. The maximum supported complexity is 70 analog inputs with 5 weighted layers, up to 32 neurons per layer, and 32 analog outputs. Weights are quantized over 63 analog levels, with programmable non-linear activation functions. Preliminary measurements performed on the ASIC validate the correct operation of the proposed architecture and demonstrate the feasibility of fully analog gamma-ray position reconstruction on monolithic scintillators. Thanks to its programmability, ANNA employment is not limited to emission tomography, but can be tailored to other scenarios in processing signals of ”intelligent” detectors in fundamental and applied physics. We will discuss, in particular, the perspective of application of ANNA to reconstruct particle interaction in resistive LGADs (Low Gain Avalanche Diodes) towards the development of new compact and low-power high-energy physics trackers.

Speaker: Carlo Fiorini (Politecnico di Milano - INFN Milano)

14:40 Development of high efficiency and high resolution thick-GEM detectors for muography application

We present the development of Thick Gaseous Electron Multiplier (THGEM) detectors designed for cosmic muon radiography. As a robust variant of Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs), THGEMs can offer excellent position resolution, durability and portability, making them highly effective in muography application. To serve as effective tracking detectors in muography, these devices must offer sub-millimeter position resolution, long-term stability, and high muon detection efficiency. Several prototypes of dimensions 4 cm $\times$ 4 cm and 10 cm $\times$ 10 cm were designed at SINP, and manufactured using standard PCB drilling and etching technology on double-clad, insulating materials at the local industries, and then tested in both single and double-stage configuration. In double-stage operation, lesser discharge rate and higher gains were achieved. To further enhance stability and suppress discharges, a dedicated post-fabrication treatment involving surface polishing, ultrasonic cleaning and conditioning was implemented. A maximum gain of approximately $7\times 10^3$ and $3.3\times 10^4$ in single and double-stage respectively could be achieved using Ar-CO2 (90:10) gas mixture while the maximum muon detection efficiency was found to be 99% and 99.5%. The position resolution of the prototype equipped with a readout plane consisting parallel strips of width of 350 μm and pitch of 450 μm was studied using a high precision 3-axis positioning system. It was used to scan the detector response by irradiating with an Fe55 source with 2 mm collimator. Event positions were reconstructed from strip charges using the Centre-of-Gravity method, yielding a best spatial resolution of 30 μm in both configurations. Furthermore, the impact of operating voltage and alternatively gain, on position resolution of both the configurations was evaluated for Ar-CO2 (90:10) and Ar-isobutane (95:5) gas mixtures. Experimental results were validated through Garfield++ simulations.

Speakers: Prof. Nayana Majumdar (Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics), Mr Saikat Ghosh (Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics)

15:00 → 15:30 Coffee

15:30 → 16:40 Applications in security, environmental imaging and nuclear physics

15:50 Commissioning of the Gas Ionizing Reactions Array for Fission Fragments Experiments (GIRAFFE) at FRIB

A large-area detector system has been developed for measuring coincident fission fragments in experiments with reaccelerated rare isotope beams. The system consists of two 30 x 40 cm2 position-sensitive detectors based on the Multi-Mesh Thick Gas Electron Multipliers (MM-THGEM) and one 10 x 10 cm2 position-sensitive Multi-Wire Proportional Counter (MWPC). All detectors are operated in low pressure isobutane and are equipped with delay-line readout for precise x and y coordinate reconstruction. Additionally, the double Time-of-Flight (ToF) method is employed to reconstruct the mass and angle of the binary reaction products. The MWPC in-beam transmission detector, located before a reaction target, is used as the start timing signal for the ToF measurement, with the MM-THGEM detectors providing the stop timing signal. The 1 ns ToF resolution and 1 mm position resolution ensure a mass reconstruction of 3 a.m.u. for the binary fragments.
The full system has been successfully commissioned with a stable 16O beam elastically scattered on 208Pb and 197Au targets and has begun operations in measuring fission fragments formed in the 34Si + 232Th reaction at the ReA6 reaccelerated facility of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). I will report on the design and performance of the individual detectors and of the overall system.

Acknowledgement: This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Physics and user resources of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) Operations, which is a DOE Office of Science User Facility under Award Number DE-SC0023633. This project is also supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under Award Number DE-SC0021938 and by Australian Research Council Grant DE230100197. The authors acknowledge the facilities, and the scientific and technical assistance provided by Heavy Ion Accelerators (HIA). HIA is supported by the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) program.

Speaker: Iulia Maria Harca (Facility for Rare Isotope Beams)

16:10 Run 3 experience with the ALICE ITS2: operation, performance and lessons learned

The ALICE experiment underwent major upgrades during the LHC Long Shutdown 2 (2019–2022), including the installation of the new Inner Tracking System, ITS2. The detector consists of seven layers based on ALPIDE CMOS Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors, comprising 12.5 billion pixels over an active area of about 10 m² and providing an intrinsic spatial resolution of about 5 µm. With its high granularity, low material budget of 0.36% X₀ per layer in the innermost layers, and the first detection layer placed at a radius of 23 mm from the interaction point, ITS2 was designed to improve tracking efficiency and impact-parameter resolution, particularly at low transverse momentum.

ITS2 has been operated throughout LHC Run 3 across a range of collision systems, including proton–proton, Pb–Pb and short special runs with lighter ions. This contribution will present a Run 3 overview of detector operation, calibration strategy, data-quality monitoring and tracking performance. Particular attention will be given to long-term detector stability, operational procedures, beam background mitigation, and the experience gained in maintaining a large-area MAPS-based tracking detector under routine LHC running conditions. The presentation will also summarise the main Run 3 lessons, providing input for the future ALICE ITS3 upgrade and next-generation silicon tracking systems, including detector concepts for ALICE 3.

Speaker: Jian Liu (University of Liverpool (GB))

Friday 4 September

09:00 → 10:00 Astrophysics, Space, and Extreme Environments: Astrophysics, Space, and Extreme Environments 2

Conveners: David Hall (Open University), Jason Gow (Open University)

09:00 Design and Beam-Test Performance of a Highly Compact Si-W Electromagnetic Calorimeter

Highly compact and granular electromagnetic calorimeters are required for precision measurements in luminometers at future Higgs factories and for the determination of positron multiplicity and energy spectra in the laser–electron scattering experiment LUXE, which probes strong-field QED. In luminometer applications, where Bhabha scattering serves as the reference process, a compact calorimeter with a small Molière radius enables a precise definition of the fiducial volume, reduces the required space, and improves the separation of high-energy electromagnetic showers from low-energy background. In laser–electron scattering, the wide range of positron multiplicity makes a compact calorimeter suitable for both counting and energy measurement. A sandwich-type calorimeter has been designed and partially constructed, consisting of tungsten absorber plates interleaved with thin silicon sensor planes in 1.2 mm gaps. Each sensor plane comprises a 90x90 mm² silicon pad sensor segmented into a 16× 16 matrix, flexible Kapton PCBs, and a carbon-fiber support, with a total thickness of less than 1 mm. The readout system employs 32 channel FLAME ASICs with charge integrating analogue front-end electronics and 10-bit ADCs. A prototype equipped with up to 11 detector planes was tested with 1 - 6 GeV electron beams at the DESY-II synchrotron. Preliminary results on the energy, position, and angular resolution, the Molière radius, and the longitudinal shower development are presented. The current status of the prototype development and the performance expected from simulations will also be discussed.

Speaker: Dr Veta Ghenescu (Institute of Space Science subsidiary of INFLPR (RO))

09:20 On the road to extreme radiation hardness with the innovative batch of FBK nLGADs

Good spatial and timing resolution in tracking systems for future High-Energy Physics experiments requires a good understanding of the mechanisms that cause sensor performance degradation under extreme irradiation.

A batch of p-in-n Low-Gain Avalanche Diode (LGADs) has been manufactured by the Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK), with a highly doped signal multiplication layer formed using n-type dopants (nLGADs) within a 55 µm-thick substrate. A novel design with a p++ ohmic contact and n+ gain implant accounting for the activation and diffusion of the gain layer dopants. The nLGAD batch features fourteen such wafers, varying by doping concentration, type of dopant (phosphorus or arsenic), diffusion, and implantation depth. The donor removal mechanism responsible for gain degradation due to irradiation is studied for nominal dopant concentrations of ~10$^{16}$ atoms/cm$^{2}$. This is investigated by irradiating subsets of the nLGAD devices with neutrons up to fluences of 1$\times$10$^{15}$ n$_{\rm{1~MeV~eq}}$ cm$^{-2}$ at the Jozef Stefan Institute in Ljubljana.

Key results from the characterisation of these sensors include donor removal rates performed in the Torino laboratory, and timing performances both before and after irradiation using a plethora of ionising sources such as the 4 GeV/c electron beam at the DESY Test Beam Facility, the CERN SPS proton and pion beam, measurements with a $^{90}$Sr β source, and a ~ 5 keV X-ray source. These will also be supported by gain studies with 1060 nm IR, 404 nm blue, and 375 nm UV laser measurements with an SPA-TCT setup, and charge carrier information extracted in a TPA-TCT apparatus.

Alongside previous studies on the acceptor removal rate in the eXFlu batch of n-in-p LGADs, the results provide insight into the p+-n+ compensated LGAD designs of the CompleX1 batch of sensors. The design, simulations, and preliminary results of the CompleX1 batch will also be presented in the context of radiation tolerance on the path to refining pixel sensors optimised for operation at fluences up to ~1$\times$10$^{16}$ n$_{\rm{1~MeV~eq}}$ cm$^{-2}$ and beyond.

Speaker: Robert Stephen White (Universita e INFN Torino (IT))

09:40 Systematic Study of Proton- and Neutron-Induced Radiation Damage in 4H-SiC PIN Diodes

4H silicon carbide (4H-SiC) is a wide-bandgap semiconductor with compelling properties for radiation-hard particle detectors, including high breakdown fields, excellent thermal stability, and low leakage currents even after irradiation. These characteristics make it a promising candidate for next-generation detectors in extreme environments like future hadron colliders, medical ion accelerators, and fusion reactors. However, the microscopic evolution of radiation damage in 4H-SiC remains poorly understood: inconsistencies of defect parameters in the literature limit the reliability of device simulations needed to design optimized detectors.

To address this, we present a comprehensive, comparative irradiation study of 4H-SiC PIN diodes. Diodes were irradiated with 24 GeV protons (5e12 to 5e15 p/cm²) and neutrons (1e13 to 1e18 neq​/cm²) and characterized before and after irradiation via current–voltage (IV), capacitance–voltage (CV), and UV-laser-based charge collection efficiency (CCE) measurements in forward and reverse bias.

Our results confirm the established picture in the high-fluence regime characterized by negligible increases in leakage current level, a loss of rectification, and voltage-independent capacitance. Crucially, the low-fluence regime reveals a complex transition driven by competing defect-mediated mechanisms, shifting from generation-dominated leakage to carrier removal and compensation, bridging the gap between the pristine and the trap-dominated regime. The results also provide well-resolved, quantitative observables for the verification of defect models. They inform TCAD simulation models currently under development, designed to capture the physics of radiation-induced defects in 4H-SiC PIN structures and aiming to establish a basis for simulation-driven detector optimisation.

Speaker: Sebastian Onder (Austrian Academy of Sciences (AT))

10:00 → 10:30 Coffee

10:30 → 12:00 Advances in Pixel Detectors & Integration Technologies: Advances in Pixel Detectors & Integration Technologies 1

10:30 The ePIC Silicon Vertex Tracker for the Electron-Ion Collider

The Electron-Proton/Ion Collider (ePIC) Collaboration is preparing the first experiment at the Electron-Ion Collider, a future high-luminosity collider at Brookhaven National Laboratory dedicated to electron-proton and electron-ion collisions. To support the ePIC QCD programme, the ePIC Silicon Vertex Tracker is required to provide precise charged-particle tracking and vertexing close to the interaction point and over a broad acceptance, while meeting stringent requirements on detector granularity, material budget and operational stability.

The Silicon Vertex Tracker is based on Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors arranged in barrel and forward/backward disk layers. The detector is being developed as a large-area, low-mass, low-power pixel system, with ongoing work on sensors and readout, lightweight mechanical structures, cooling, services, and system-level design and prototyping. This contribution will provide an overview of the detector concept, key design choices and current development status.

Speaker: Jian Liu (University of Liverpool (GB))

10:50 OCTOPUS: A MAPS demonstrator for future Lepton Collider Vertex detectors

Vertex detectors for future experiments, e.g., at a possible FCC-ee, will require an unprecedented spatial resolution below 3 µm, a time resolution in the order of 5 ns, a hit-rate capability approaching 100 MHz/cm², and an extremely low material budget only achievable by sensors thinned to 50 µm, and limiting the power consumption below 50 mW/cm².
The OCTOPUS project aims to develop a Monolithic Active Pixel Sensor (MAPS) to meet all these requirements in a staged approach, currently targeting a 65nm CMOS imaging process. The project combines TCAD and Allpix Squared simulations, ASIC development, data acquisition, and beam-test characterization within a common design framework.
An intermediate objective is the realization of a high-resolution MAPS sensor with relaxed timing and power constraints for beam telescope applications for detector characterization at test beams.
Current R&D activities focus on optimized sensor layouts, including the NCross concept to improve charge sharing at pixel pitches of around 20 µm. In parallel, dedicated ASIC architectures are under development, featuring compact low-power in-pixel front-ends, asynchronous matrix readout based on Asynchronous Priority Arbiter (APA) schemes, and end-of-column time stamping with 5 ns precision. The project will also assess and evaluate technology prototypes, including a proof-of-concept demonstrator for an APA-based readout architecture.
This contribution presents the current status and plans for OCTOPUS, including simulation results for sensor design optimization, the design of a first prototype ASIC, and evaluation results from demonstrators using the Caribou DAQ system.

Speaker: Thomas Bergauer (Austrian Academy of Sciences (AT))

11:30 Design and construction of the Inner Tracker for the CMS Upgrade at HL-LHC

The CMS Inner Tracker (IT) is a key component of the Phase-2 upgrade of the CMS detector, designed to operate under the extreme radiation conditions of the High-Luminosity LHC, while maintaining and extending current tracking performance. The new system, featuring increased granularity, enhanced radiation tolerance, extended geometrical coverage, and higher readout rates capability, will replace the existing pixel detector, ensuring precise vertex reconstruction in the dense HL-LHC environment. This contribution presents an overview of the Inner Tracker, including its layout, detector concept, and key technological advancements. The stringent requirements imposed by the HL-LHC have driven developments in silicon sensor technologies, front-end electronics, cooling systems, low-material-budget mechanics, and powering schemes; the adopted solutions are presented, with emphasis on the overall design strategy. The current status of the project is discussed, with a focus on ongoing production of pixel modules, including assembly procedures and quality assurance protocols, supported by results from extensive testing campaigns. Progress in large-scale integration and detector construction is also discussed, addressing the challenges of assembling modules with lightweight mechanical structures while integrating cooling and powering. The contribution aims to provide a global overview of the system, assessing the readiness of the detector for installation and commissioning at the HL-LHC.

Speakers: Giulio Bardelli (CERN), Inna Makarenko (Vrije Universiteit Brussel (BE))

12:00 → 13:00 Lunch

13:00 → 14:20 Applications in Particle Physics: Applications in Particle Physics 2

13:00 PICMIC: An Ultra Precise 4D Detection Concept”

The PICosecond subMICron (PICMIC) is a new detection concept that intends to simultaneously exploit the remarkable intrinsic spatial and time precision of the MicroChannel Plate (MCP) detectors. PICMIC is based itself on two new concepts. The first is similar in principle to the one used in the GPS and allows, with a limited number of electronic channels, to obtain a precise measurement of the arrival time of particles crossing the MCP. The second, conceived to measure the position of these particles, uses tiny pixels that are interconnected in an original way. The new scheme leads to an excellent granularity without suffering from the usual ambiguity encountered in the strip-based readout systems. The new system is operated with a smaller number of electronic channels with respect to a pixel-based readout one.

Both the spatial and the time measurement systems were individually tested and validated before to be assembled in a first prototype. The prototype equipped with an alpha source allowed the validation of the whole concept. We present in this seminar the PICMIC concept, the realization of the measurement systems as well as the first results obtained with the prototype. Our preliminary results show a spatial resolution of 15 µm and a time resolution of around 20 ps. In addition, We will discuss the development of a new generation of MCP we call NanoChannel Plate (NCP) which intends to improve the time and spatial resolution by at least one order of magnitude. Such a new device could be fully exploited thanks to the PICMIC concept.

Speaker: Imad Laktineh (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (FR))

13:20 PLATON: high-resolution 3D photographs of particles interacting in a monolithic scintillating volume

High-resolution scintillator detectors achieve precise particle tracking through fine segmentation down to a few hundred micrometres. However, this granularity adds detector complexity that can make scaling to large volumes problematic. Moreover, traditional photosensor systems would lead to prohibitively many readout channels, further increasing complexity and cost.

As a solution, we propose a paradigm shift: applying 3D imaging techniques to particle interactions in an unsegmented monolithic volume of organic scintillator, enabling high-resolution tracking. This is achieved by combining plenoptic imaging with a Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) array imaging sensor.

We report the operation and performance of the first SPAD-based plenoptic camera for particle tracking, built around the SwissSPAD2 sensor [Dieminger et al., Nat. Commun. 2026, doi:10.1038/s41467-026-70918-x]. We discuss both analytical and artificial-intelligence-driven reconstruction algorithms for event imaging. Results are presented from a controlled two-photon-absorption setup, which produces localised, point-like light emission within the scintillator, simulating particle energy depositions. Sub-mm lateral and sub-cm depth resolutions were achieved.

A simulation case study on accelerator neutrino detection demonstrates the unique potential of this approach, achieving full event reconstruction with $\sim$250~$\mu$m spatial resolution in tonne-scale detectors. The custom SPAD array required to realise this is currently under development [Kaneyasu et al., arXiv:2511.16684] and we present its design and initial test results.

This work sets the path forward for new detection systems for high-precision particle tracking in dense active volumes, with applications ranging from neutrino detection to calorimetry.

Speaker: Till Conrad Dieminger (ETH Zurich (CH))

13:40 Performance Characterisation and Radiation Hardness of Commercially Available NUV-MT SiPMs

Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) exhibit several desirable characteristics, including single-photon sensitivity, high intrinsic gain, and compact design. This has led to their increasingly widespread adoption in particle and astroparticle physics experiments, as well as a variety of other applications. More recently, SiPMs based on the NUV-MT technology have demonstrated improved photodetection efficiency along with reduced dark count rate and crosstalk compared to earlier designs. The performance of commercially available SiPMs based on the NUV-MT technology is characterised and presented in terms of breakdown voltage, gain, dark count rate, after pulsing probability, and optical crosstalk across a range of temperatures and operating voltages. The performance of different noise characterisation methodologies will also be discussed. Furthermore, the radiation hardness of these SiPMs is investigated following irradiations in a monoenergetic neutron beam and subsequent thermal annealing, with results presented on the effects on SiPM dark count rates.

Speaker: Dr Zoe Balmforth (University of Hamburg)

14:00 Status of the Mu3e Detector Construction

The Mu3e detector is under construction at the Paul Scherrer Institute. It aims to set a limit on the observation of the SM forbidden lepton flavour violating mu->e+e-e- decay. As an integral part of its design, it incorporates a state-of-the-art depleted monolithic pixel sensor tracking system, comprising an inner vertexing barrel and outer tracking system. These detectors achieve a 0.1% X/Xo radiation length and incorporate aggressively thinned silicon, SPTab bonded Al/kapton readout flexible circuits and 25um composite mechanical supports.
The contribution will explore the physics motivation of the design of the pixel system, and discuss the unusual material constrains this-places on the detector, particularly the reconstruction of the momentum of low energy electrons. We will report on the technical challenges that have been overcome in the final prototyping stages, and the move into full detector module serial production and installation. Specifically, we will explore the design difficulties in the close integration of the mechanical and electrical components, the choice of the electrical interconnect technology, the issues involved in quality control testing of 6,000 70um thick Mupix11 monolithic silicon pixel sensors, the late change to a composite material for supports, and the further development towards functionally engineered composite meta-materials. We will discuss how the technology developments and lessons learned are applicable to future low mass tracking systems. Finally, we will also look forward and discuss plans for the initial commissioning and data taking period at the end of 2026 and the initial Phase1 physics running in 2027.

Speaker: Richard Plackett (University of Oxford (GB))

14:20 → 15:00 Advances in Pixel Detectors & Integration Technologies: Applications in Pixel Detectors & Integration Technologies 2

14:20 A Fully Digital Approach to Sub-Micron Resolution Particle Detection: The Particam Concept

Silicon sensors are the common position sensitive technology in particle physics and related applications. Despite decades of progress, silicon sensors have not kept pace with the miniaturisation achieved by the broader semiconductor industry, limitations that conventional analogue approaches have been unable to overcome. Key problems are the low dynamic range implied by the reduced operating voltage and the relatively large transistor footprint required by analogue front-end circuits, which prevents silicon pixel detectors from maintaining pace with the miniaturisation achieved by the broader semiconductor industry.

Particam addresses this challenge through a fully digital architecture that exploits Single Event Upsets (SEUs) in circuits inspired by digital memory cells as the detection mechanism, rather than suppressing them like in conventional design approach. Reducing each pixel to a memory cell-like circuit with very few transistors, pixel pitches of a few microns become achievable, yielding sub-micron resolution even if operated in binary mode. Moreover, this approach also offers very substantial advantages in reducing power consumption.

A proof-of-principle demonstrator has been produced in the UMC 65 nm process, featuring pixel variants with pitches ranging from 2 um to 6.5 um. Pulse and alpha particle measurements confirm the circuits operate as intended. Laser measurements have been performed to characterise the charge collection properties of the device, with results demonstrating its potential as a high-resolution laser sensor. Results from this prototype are presented, together with plans for further development and potential applications.

Speaker: Enoch Ejopu (University of Liverpool (GB))

14:40 Assembly of hybrid detector modules for advanced medical imaging

Advances in medical imaging require utilizing reliable and pioneering radiation detector technology. At STFC, in collaboration with US-based company MH3D Inc, we are helping to develop their world's first pre-clinical scanner, the Alpha-SPECT$^{TM}$ Mini. This scanner can select, measure and visualise the distribution of radionuclides during TAT (Targeted Alpha Therapy), a selective form of cancer treatment that is currently undergoing clinical trials.
The detector modules for the Alpha-SPECT$^{TM}$ Mini are fully assembled and radiation tested at STFC before integrating to the scanner. STFC has previously assembled radiation detectors with pitch as small as 55µm[1][2]. The hybrid detector module consists of a HEXITEC Application Specific Integrated Circuit read-out chip (ASIC)[3] and a compound semiconductor Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) sensor for detecting gamma rays. The assembly process of the module starts with triple gold ball studding of the ASIC. The average height of the triple studs are ~40µm. For minimizing failure rates, first the ASICs are wire bonded to a PCB and then subjected to a Voltage pulse test before assembling on to a sensor. Afterwards, the tested module is assembled to a 6mm thick CZT printed uniformly with thixotropic silver epoxy on a pitch of 500µm and assembled on to the wirebonded ASIC using precise flip-chip technology, capable of placing a chip to an accuracy of 0.5µm. Finally, the assembled hybrid module is tested using Americium-241 and Cobalt-57 radiation sources. The tested full module has a spectroscopic energy resolution of 2keV full width half maximum (FWHM) measured at 60keV and a bond yield of 99.9%. STFC Technology department's detector integration facility has developed and implemented an advanced and improved assemble process that has now a capability of assembling hundreds of modules with high yield.

[1] Veale, Matthew Charles, et al. "Characterization of the uniformity of high-flux CdZnTe material." Sensors 20.10 (2020): 2747.

[2] Schneider, Andreas, et al. "Single Die Process Using Shadow Masks for a 55µm Fine Pitch Array of 4µm-Tall Indium Bumps Across an Entire Chip." 2024 IEEE 10th Electronics System-Integration Technology Conference (ESTC). IEEE, 2024.

[3] Jones, Laurence, et al. “HEXITEC ASIC - a pixellated readout chip for CZT detectors,” Nucl. Inst. Meth. Phys. Res. A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment vol. 604 issue 1-2, pp. 34-37, June 2009.

Speaker: Dr Aswathi Koorikkat (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), UKRI-Science and Technology, Facilities Council (STFC), Didcot, UK)

15:00 → 15:30 Coffee Break

15:30 → 16:00 Closing Session