arXiv subjects

H. Müller

Publications and source records attributed to H. Müller.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Probing the $γ$-ray emission region and the connection to jet ejections in NRAO 150 with VLBI

Relativistic jets launched by active galactic nuclei are fundamental for understanding the physics of accreting supermassive black holes and their immediate environments, yet the origin of these jets remains an open question. NRAO 150 is a blazar with a complex relativistic jet morphology that evolves on short timescales due to strong projection effects, enabling detailed kinematic analysis. In this study, we utilise data by the Very Long Baseline Array and the European VLBI Network from 2010 until 2019 at 43 GHz, to understand the formation and launching processes of the jet in NRAO 150. We study the $γ$-ray and radio light-curves, together with total intensity and linear polarisation information to probe the connection between flaring events, $γ$-ray emission, and the ejection of new jet features. Furthermore, we investigate the magnetic field configuration in the innermost jet region, as captured in polarised light, to gain insights about its configuration before, during, and after a $γ$-ray flare. Our results indicate a close temporal link between the $γ$-ray flaring activity and the ejection of new VLBI jet components, suggesting that the high-energy emission is produced downstream of the VLBI core. The combined kinematic and polarimetric evidence further points to a toroidal magnetic field in the inner jet, highlighting the key role of magnetic fields in governing both jet dynamics and high-energy emission in NRAO 150.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2026

Optical readout of MPGDs with solid wavelength shifters

Optical readout of MicroPattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs) makes use of the high granularity of imaging sensors to achieve good spatial resolution for radiation imaging and particle detection. CF4 is widely used as a scintillating gas because its emission lies in the visible range, where optical sensors are most sensitive. However, to reduce reliance on greenhouse gas, such as CF4, which also has limited availability, alternative gas mixtures emitting scintillation light in the ultraviolet range can be used in combination with wavelength shifters. We investigate the spatial resolution achievable with optically read out Gaseous Electron Multipliers (GEMs) and Micromegas when using solid wavelength shifter layers such as Tetraphenyl butadiene (TPB). TPB coatings on the anode of glass Micromegas achieve the best spatial resolution of 0.22 mm owing to the minimal distance between the origin of the scintillation light and the wavelength shifter. Nevertheless, TPB layers were also shown to achieve moderate spatial resolution in combination with optically read out GEMs.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2026

Ultrahigh continuous-wave intensities in high-NA optical cavities through suppression of the parametric oscillatory instability

Ultrahigh continuous-wave intensities (>300 GW/cm$^2$) in high-NA optical cavities enable applications from phase-contrast electron microscopy to ultradeep dipole traps for molecules. However, the intensity can be limited by the parametric oscillatory instability (PI), where mirror vibrations scatter light from one cavity mode into another. We observe PI in a table-top Fabry-Pérot cavity, show that the mechanical modes are MHz-frequency bulk acoustic modes inside the mirrors, and measure their $Q$ factor. By using low-$Q$ mirrors, we achieve >500 GW/cm$^2$ intensities in an open, free-space cavity.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Drift time calibration of the ultra-low material budget GEM-based TPC for MIXE

Muon-Induced X-ray Emission (MIXE) is a non-destructive analytical technique that leverages negative muons to probe elemental and isotopic compositions by detecting characteristic muonic X-rays emitted during atomic cascades and gamma rays from nuclear capture processes. By controlling the muon beam momentum, MIXE enables depth-resolved analysis, spanning microns to centimeters, making it ideal for studying compositional variations in fragile, valuable, or operando samples. To enhance its capabilities, we integrated a twin Time Projection Chamber (TPC) tracker with Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) amplification stages, allowing precise measurement of muon trajectories. A custom-built fiber detector with scintillating fibers and a Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) provides permille-level accuracy in drift velocity calibration, essential for accurate spatial reconstruction. This advanced setup correlates muon stopping points with X-ray emissions, paving the way towards element-sensitive imaging and establishing MIXE as a unique tool for high-resolution, depth-specific elemental analysis across diverse scientific applications.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2024

A Collection of German Science Interests in the Next Generation Very Large Array

The Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) is a planned radio interferometer providing unprecedented sensitivity at wavelengths between 21 cm and 3 mm. Its 263 antenna element array will be spatially distributed across North America to enable both superb low surface brightness recovery and sub-milliarcsecond angular resolution imaging. The project was developed by the international astronomy community under the lead of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), and is anticipated to be built between 2027 and 2037. Two workshops have been held in 2022 and 2023 with the goal to discuss and consolidate the scientific interests in the ngVLA within the German astronomical community. This community paper constitutes a collection of 48 science ideas which the German community aims to pursue with the ngVLA in the 2030s. This is not a complete list and the ideas are not developed at the level of a "Science Book", such that the present document is mainly meant provide a basis for further discussion within the community. As such, additional contributions are welcome, and will be considered for inclusion in future revisions.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2022

Precise timing and recent advancements with segmented anode PICOSEC Micromegas prototypes

Timing information in current and future accelerator facilities is important for resolving objects (particle tracks, showers, etc.) in extreme large particles multiplicities on the detection systems. The PICOSEC Micromegas detector has demonstrated the ability to time 150\,GeV muons with a sub-25\,ps precision. Driven by detailed simulation studies and a phenomenological model which describes stochastically the dynamics of the signal formation, new PICOSEC designs were developed that significantly improve the timing performance of the detector. PICOSEC prototypes with reduced drift gap size ($\sim$\SI{119}{\micro\metre}) achieved a resolution of 45\,ps in timing single photons in laser beam tests (in comparison to 76\,ps of the standard PICOSEC detector). Towards large area detectors, multi-pad PICOSEC prototypes with segmented anodes has been developed and studied. Extensive tests in particle beams revealed that the multi-pad PICOSEC technology provides also very precise timing, even when the induced signal is shared among several neighbouring pads. Furthermore, new signal processing algorithms have been developed, which can be applied during data acquisition and provide real time, precise timing.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2021

Timing performance of a multi-pad PICOSEC-Micromegas detector prototype

The multi-pad PICOSEC-Micromegas is an improved detector prototype with a segmented anode, consisting of 19 hexagonal pads. Detailed studies are performed with data collected in a muon beam over four representative pads. We demonstrate that such a device, scalable to a larger area, provides excellent time resolution and detection efficiency. As expected from earlier single-cell device studies, we measure a time resolution of approximately 25 picoseconds for charged particles hitting near the anode pad centers, and up to 30 picoseconds at the pad edges. Here, we study in detail the effect of drift gap thickness non-uniformity on the timing performance and evaluate impact position based corrections to obtain a uniform timing response over the full detector coverage.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2020

Modeling the Timing Characteristics of the PICOSEC Micromegas Detector

The PICOSEC Micromegas detector can time the arrival of Minimum Ionizing Particles with a sub-25 ps precision. A very good timing resolution in detecting single photons is also demonstrated in laser beams. The PICOSEC timing resolution is determined mainly by the drift field. The arrival time of the signal and the timing resolution vary with the size of the pulse amplitude. Detailed simulations based on GARFIELD++ reproduce the experimental PICOSEC timing characteristics. This agreement is exploited to identify the microscopic physical variables, which determine the observed timing properties. In these studies, several counter-intuitive observations are made for the behavior of such microscopic variables. In order to gain insight on the main physical mechanisms causing the observed behavior, a phenomenological model is constructed and presented. The model is based on a simple mechanism of "time-gain per interaction" and it employs a statistical description of the avalanche evolution. It describes quantitatively the dynamical and statistical properties of the microscopic quantities, which determine the PICOSEC timing characteristics, in excellent agreement with the simulations. In parallel, it offers phenomenological explanations for the behavior of these microscopic variables. The formulae expressing this model can be used as a tool for fast and reliable predictions, provided that the input parameter values (e.g. drift velocities) are known for the considered operating conditions.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2020

Optical Readout Studies of the Thick-COBRA Gaseous Detector

The performance of a Thick-COBRA (THCOBRA) gaseous detector is studied using an optical readout technique. The operation principle of this device is described, highlighting its operation in a gas mixture of Ar/CF4 (80/20%) for visible scintillation light emission. The contributions to the total gain from the holes and the anode strips as a function of the applied bias voltage were visualized. The preservation of spatial information from the initial ionizations was demonstrated by analyzing the light emission from 5.9keV X-rays of an 55Fe source. The observed non-uniformity of the scintillation light from the holes supports the claim of a space localization accuracy better than the pitch of the holes. The acquired images were used to identify weak points and sources of instabilities in view of the development of new optimized structures.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2019

SAGE: A Proposal for a Space Atomic Gravity Explorer

The proposed mission "Space Atomic Gravity Explorer" (SAGE) has the scientific objective to investigate gravitational waves, dark matter, and other fundamental aspects of gravity as well as the connection between gravitational physics and quantum physics using new quantum sensors, namely, optical atomic clocks and atom interferometers based on ultracold strontium atoms.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2019

Precise Charged Particle Timing with the PICOSEC Detector

The experimental requirements in near future accelerators (e.g. High Luminosity-LHC) has stimulated intense interest in development of detectors with high precision timing capabilities. With this as a goal, a new detection concept called PICOSEC, which is based to a "two-stage" MicroMegas detector coupled to a Cherenkov radiator equipped with a photocathode has been developed. Results obtained with this new detector yield a time resolution of 24\,ps for 150\,GeV muons and 76\,ps for single photoelectrons. In this paper we will report on the performance of the PICOSEC in test beams, as well as simulation studies and modelling of its timing characteristics.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2018

Laser control of the electron wave function in transmission electron microscopy

Laser-based preparation, manipulation, and readout of the states of quantum particles has become a powerful research tool that has enabled the most precise measurements of time, fundamental constants, and electromagnetic fields. Laser control of free electrons can improve the detection of electrons' interaction with material objects, thereby advancing the exploration of matter on the atomic scale. For example, temporal modulation of electron waves with light has enabled the study of transient processes with attosecond resolution. In contrast, laser-based spatial shaping of the electron wave function has not yet been realized, even though it could be harnessed to probe radiation-sensitive systems, such as biological macromolecules, at the standard quantum limit and beyond. Here, we demonstrate laser control of the spatial phase profile of the electron wave function and apply it to enhance the image contrast in transmission electron microscopy. We first realize an electron interferometer, using continuous-wave laser-induced retardation to coherently split the electron beam, and capture TEM images of the light wave. We then demonstrate Zernike phase contrast by using the laser beam to shift the phase of the electron wave scattered by a specimen relative to the unscattered wave. Laser-based Zernike phase contrast will advance TEM studies of protein structure, cell organization, and complex materials. The versatile coherent control of free electrons demonstrated here paves the way towards quantum-limited detection and new imaging modalities.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Charged particle timing at sub-25 picosecond precision: the PICOSEC detection concept

The PICOSEC detection concept consists in a "two-stage" Micromegas detector coupled to a Cherenkov radiator and equipped with a photocathode. A proof of concept has already been tested: a single-photoelectron response of 76 ps has been measured with a femtosecond UV laser at CEA/IRAMIS, while a time resolution of 24 ps with a mean yield of 10.4 photoelectrons has been measured for 150 GeV muons at the CERN SPS H4 secondary line. This work will present the main results of this prototype and the performance of the different detector configurations tested in 2016-18 beam campaigns: readouts (bulk, resistive, multipad) and photocathodes (metallic+CsI, pure metallic, diamond). Finally, the prospects for building a demonstrator based on PICOSEC detection concept for future experiments will be discussed. In particular, the scaling strategies for a large area coverage with a multichannel readout plane, the R\&D on solid converters for building a robust photocathode and the different resistive configurations for a robust readout.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2018

PICOSEC: Charged particle timing at sub-25 picosecond precision with a Micromegas based detector

The prospect of pileup induced backgrounds at the High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) has stimulated intense interest in developing technologies for charged particle detection with accurate timing at high rates. The required accuracy follows directly from the nominal interaction distribution within a bunch crossing ($σ_z\sim5$ cm, $σ_t\sim170$ ps). A time resolution of the order of 20-30 ps would lead to significant reduction of these backgrounds. With this goal, we present a new detection concept called PICOSEC, which is based on a "two-stage" Micromegas detector coupled to a Cherenkov radiator and equipped with a photocathode. First results obtained with this new detector yield a time resolution of 24 ps for 150 GeV muons, and 76 ps for single photoelectrons.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2016

Acoustic tests of Lorentz symmetry using Bulk Acoustic Wave quartz oscillators

A new method of probing Lorentz invariance in the neutron sector is described. The method is baed on stable quartz bulk acoustic wave oscillators compared on a rotating table. Due to Lorentz-invariance violation, the resonance frequencies of acoustic wave resonators depend on the direction in space via a corresponding dependence of masses of the constituent elements of solids. This dependence is measured via observation of oscillator phase noise built around such devices. The first such experiment now shows sensitivity to violation down to the limit $\tilde{c}^n_Q=(-1.8\pm2.2)\times 10^{-14}$ GeV. Methods to improve the sensitivity are described together with some other applications of the technology in tests of fundamental physics.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2015

Charge Transfer Properties Through Graphene Layers in Gas Detectors

Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice with remarkable mechanical, electrical and optical properties. For the first time graphene layers suspended on copper meshes were installed into a gas detector equipped with a gaseous electron multiplier. Measurements of low energy electron and ion transfer through graphene were conducted. In this paper we describe the sample preparation for suspended graphene layers, the testing procedures and we discuss the preliminary results followed by a prospect of further applications.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2013

Magnetic quantum oscillations in the charge-density-wave state of the organic metals $α$-(BEDT-TTF)$_2$MHg(SCN)$_4$ with M = K and Tl

The low-temperature charge-density-wave (CDW) state in the layered organic metals $α$-(BEDT-TTF)$_2$MHg(SCN)$_4$ has been studied by means of the Shubnikov -- de Haas and de Haas -- van Alphen effects. In addition to the dominant alpha-frequency, which is also observed in the normal state, both the magnetoresistance and magnetic torque possess a slowly oscillating component. These slow oscillations provide a firm evidence for the CDW-induced reconstruction of the original cylindrical Fermi surface. The alpha-oscillations of the interlayer magnetoresistance exhibit an anomalous phase inversion in the CDW state, whereas the de Haas -- van Alphen signal maintains the normal phase. We argue that the anomaly may be attributed to the magnetic-breakdown origin of the alpha-oscillations in the CDW state. A theoretical model illustrating the possibility of a phase inversion in the oscillating interlayer conductivity in the presence of a spatially fluctuating magnetic breakdown gap is proposed.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2008

Quantum Physics Exploring Gravity in the Outer Solar System: The Sagas Project

We summarise the scientific and technological aspects of the SAGAS (Search for Anomalous Gravitation using Atomic Sensors) project, submitted to ESA in June 2007 in response to the Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 call for proposals. The proposed mission aims at flying highly sensitive atomic sensors (optical clock, cold atom accelerometer, optical link) on a Solar System escape trajectory in the 2020 to 2030 time-frame. SAGAS has numerous science objectives in fundamental physics and Solar System science, for example numerous tests of general relativity and the exploration of the Kuiper belt. The combination of highly sensitive atomic sensors and of the laser link well adapted for large distances will allow measurements with unprecedented accuracy and on scales never reached before. We present the proposed mission in some detail, with particular emphasis on the science goals and associated measurements.

gr-qc↗