arXiv subjects

A. Lathrop

Publications and source records attributed to A. Lathrop.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

A multi-channel silicon package for large-scale skipper-CCD experiments

The next generation of experiments for rare-event searches based on skipper Charge Coupled Devices (skipper-CCDs) presents new challenges for the sensor packaging and readout. Scaling the active mass and simultaneously reducing the experimental backgrounds in orders of magnitude requires a novel high-density silicon-based package that must be massively produced and tested. In this work, we present the design, fabrication, testing, and empirical signal model of a multi-channel silicon package. In addition, we outline the chosen specifications for the ongoing production of 1500 wafers that will add up to a 10 kg skipper-CCD array with 24000 readout channels.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2017

A measurement of the ionization efficiency of nuclear recoils in silicon

We have measured the ionization efficiency of silicon nuclear recoils with kinetic energy between 1.8 and 20 keV. We bombarded a silicon-drift diode with a neutron beam to perform an elastic-scattering experiment. A broad-energy neutron spectrum was used and the nuclear recoil energy was reconstructed using a measurement of the time of flight and scattering angle of the scattered neutron. The overall trend of the results of this work is well described by the theory of Lindhard et al. above 4 keV of recoil energy. Below this energy, the presented data shows a deviation from the model. The data indicates a faster drop than the theory prediction at low energies.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2015

The Dark Energy Camera

The Dark Energy Camera is a new imager with a 2.2-degree diameter field of view mounted at the prime focus of the Victor M. Blanco 4-meter telescope on Cerro Tololo near La Serena, Chile. The camera was designed and constructed by the Dark Energy Survey Collaboration, and meets or exceeds the stringent requirements designed for the wide-field and supernova surveys for which the collaboration uses it. The camera consists of a five element optical corrector, seven filters, a shutter with a 60 cm aperture, and a CCD focal plane of 250 micron thick fully-depleted CCDs cooled inside a vacuum Dewar. The 570 Mpixel focal plane comprises 62 2kx4k CCDs for imaging and 12 2kx2k CCDs for guiding and focus. The CCDs have 15 microns x15 microns pixels with a plate scale of 0.263 arc sec per pixel. A hexapod system provides state-of-the-art focus and alignment capability. The camera is read out in 20 seconds with 6-9 electrons readout noise. This paper provides a technical description of the camera's engineering, construction, installation, and current status.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2012

The ArgoNeuT Detector in the NuMI Low-Energy beam line at Fermilab

The ArgoNeuT liquid argon time projection chamber has collected thousands of neutrino and antineutrino events during an extended run period in the NuMI beam-line at Fermilab. This paper focuses on the main aspects of the detector layout and related technical features, including the cryogenic equipment, time projection chamber, read-out electronics, and off-line data treatment. The detector commissioning phase, physics run, and first neutrino event displays are also reported. The characterization of the main working parameters of the detector during data-taking, the ionization electron drift velocity and lifetime in liquid argon, as obtained from through-going muon data complete the present report.

physics.ins-det↗