Q-Pix: Pixel-scale Signal Capture for Kiloton Liquid Argon TPC Detectors: Time-to-Charge Waveform Capture, Local Clocks, Dynamic Networks

David Nygren; Yuan Mei

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arXiv · 1809.10213

Q-Pix: Pixel-scale Signal Capture for Kiloton Liquid Argon TPC Detectors: Time-to-Charge Waveform Capture, Local Clocks, Dynamic Networks

David Nygren·Yuan Mei

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Abstract

We describe a novel ionization signal capture and waveform digitization scheme for kiloton-scale liquid argon Time Projection Chamber (TPC) detectors. The scheme is based on a pixel-scale self-triggering `charge integrate/reset' block, local clocks running at unconstrained frequencies and dynamically established data networks. The scheme facilitates detailed capture of waveforms of arbitrary complexity from a sequence of varying time intervals, each of which corresponds to a fixed charge integral. An absolute charge auto-calibration process based on intrinsic $^{39}$Ar decay current is a major benefit. A flat electronic architecture with self-guided network generation provides exceptionally high resilience against single-point failure. Integrated photon detection, although highly speculative, may also be possible. The goal is optimized discovery potential. Much might be at stake.

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David Nygren, Yuan Mei. 2018-09-26. Q-Pix: Pixel-scale Signal Capture for Kiloton Liquid Argon TPC Detectors: Time-to-Charge Waveform Capture, Local Clocks, Dynamic Networks. https://arxiv.org/abs/1809.10213

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