arXiv subjects

Jonathan Bortfeldt

Publications and source records attributed to Jonathan Bortfeldt.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Design, simulation and performance of the resistive-anode PICOSEC Micromegas detector

The PICOSEC Micromegas detector is a Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detector concept developed to achieve tens of picosecond timing resolution for charged particle detection by combining a Cherenkov radiator with a two-stage Micromegas amplification structure. To improve operational robustness, a resistive anode has been implemented using a DLC layer deposited on a Kapton substrate. While this design enhances detector stability, the resistive layer may influence rate capability, signal formation, and detector capacitance, altering timing performance. This work presents a comprehensive study of a resistive design, including an analytical model and finite-element simulations to quantify rate-dependent gain reduction due to ohmic voltage drop on the resistive layer. An analytical solution for the voltage across a finite-size resistive layer is derived, and a numerical model is developed to evaluate gain suppression under intense particle fluxes. The impact of the resistive layer on signal formation is investigated using time-dependent weighting fields and the Garfield++ simulation framework. The contribution of signal components induced by the resistive layer is quantified, and preservation of the signal leading edge is found for surface resistivities above 100 kohm per square. Single-channel resistive-anode prototypes were designed, constructed, and experimentally characterized. Laboratory measurements using single photoelectrons and power spectral density analysis show the predicted reduction in signal amplitude while preserving the leading edge. Muon beam tests with CsI and DLC photocathodes demonstrate a time resolution of 11.5 ps for CsI, comparable to 11.9 ps for the metallic-anode device, showing the suitability of the resistive design for precision timing applications.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2025

First image-guided treatment of a mouse tumor with radioactive ion beams

Radioactive ion beams (RIB) are a key focus of current research in nuclear physics. Already long ago it was proposed that they could have applications in cancer therapy. In fact, while charged particle therapy is potentially the most effective radiotherapy technique available, it is highly susceptible to uncertainties in the beam range. RIB are well-suited for image-guided particle therapy, as isotopes that undergo \b{eta}+-decay can be precisely visualized using positron emission tomography (PET), enabling accurate real-time monitoring of the beam range. We successfully treated a mouse osteosarcoma using a radioactive 11C-ion beam. The tumor was located in the neck, in close proximity to the spinal cord, increasing the risk of radiation-induced myelopathy from even slight variations in the beam range caused by anatomical changes or incorrect calibration of the planning CT. We managed to completely control the tumor with the highest dose while minimizing toxicity. Low-grade neurological side effects were correlated to the positron activity measured in the spine. The biological washout of the activity from the tumor volume was dependent on the dose, indicating a potential component of vascular damage at high doses. This experiment marks the first instance of tumor treatment using RIB and paves the way for future clinical applications.

physics.med-ph↗

arXiv2023

A large area 100 channel Picosec Micromegas detector with sub 20 ps time resolution

The PICOSEC Micromegas precise timing detector is based on a Cherenkov radiator coupled to a semi-transparent photocathode and a Micromegas amplification structure. The first proof of concept single-channel small area prototype was able to achieve time resolution below 25 ps. One of the crucial aspects in the development of the precise timing gaseous detectors applicable in high-energy physics experiments is a modular design that enables large area coverage. The first 19-channel multi-pad prototype with an active area of approximately 10 cm$^2$ suffered from degraded timing resolution due to the non-uniformity of the preamplification gap. A new 100 cm$^2$ detector module with 100 channels based on a rigid hybrid ceramic/FR4 Micromegas board for improved drift gap uniformity was developed. Initial measurements with 80 GeV/c muons showed improvements in timing response over measured pads and a time resolution below 25 ps. More recent measurements with a new thinner drift gap detector module and newly developed RF pulse amplifiers show that the resolution can be enhanced to a level of 17~ps. This work will present the development of the detector from structural simulations, design, and beam test commissioning with a focus on the timing performance of a thinner drift gap detector module in combination with new electronics using an automated timing scan method.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2023

Towards robust PICOSEC Micromegas precise timing detectors

The PICOSEC Micromegas (MM) detector is a precise timing gaseous detector consisting of a Cherenkov radiator combined with a photocathode and a MM amplifying structure. A 100-channel non-resistive PICOSEC MM prototype with 10x10 cm^2 active area equipped with a Cesium Iodide (CsI) photocathode demonstrated a time resolution below 18 ps. The objective of this work is to improve the PICOSEC MM detector robustness aspects; i.e. integration of resistive MM and carbon-based photocathodes; while maintaining good time resolution. The PICOSEC MM prototypes have been tested in laboratory conditions and successfully characterised with 150 GeV/c muon beams at the CERN SPS H4 beam line. The excellent timing performance below 20 ps for an individual pad obtained with the 10x10 cm^2 area resistive PICOSEC MM of 20 MOhm/sq showed no significant time resolution degradation as a result of adding a resistive layer. A single-pad prototype equipped with a 12 nm thick Boron Carbide (B4C) photocathode presented a time resolution below 35 ps; opening up new possibilities for detectors with robust photocathodes. The results made the concept more suitable for the experiments in need of robust detectors with good time resolution.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2020

Timing Performance of a Micro-Channel-Plate Photomultiplier Tube

The spatial dependence of the timing performance of the R3809U-50 Micro-Channel-Plate PMT (MCP-PMT) by Hamamatsu was studied in high energy muon beams. Particle position information is provided by a GEM tracker telescope, while timing is measured relative to a second MCP-PMT, identical in construction. In the inner part of the circular active area (radius r$<$5.5\,mm) the time resolution of the two MCP-PMTs combined is better than 10~ps. The signal amplitude decreases in the outer region due to less light reaching the photocathode, resulting in a worse time resolution. The observed radial dependence is in quantitative agreement with a dedicated simulation. With this characterization, the suitability of MCP-PMTs as $\text{t}_\text{0}$ reference detectors has been validated.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2015

High-Rate Capable Floating Strip Micromegas

We report on the optimization of discharge insensitive floating strip Micromegas (MICRO-MEsh GASeous) detectors, fit for use in high-energy muon spectrometers. The suitability of these detectors for particle tracking is shown in high-background environments and at very high particle fluxes up to 60MHz/cm$^2$. Measurement and simulation of the microscopic discharge behavior have demonstrated the excellent discharge tolerance. A floating strip Micromegas with an active area of 48cm$\times$50cm with 1920 copper anode strips exhibits in 120GeV pion beams a spatial resolution of 50$μ$m at detection efficiencies above 95%. Pulse height, spatial resolution and detection efficiency are homogeneous over the detector. Reconstruction of particle track inclination in a single detector plane is discussed, optimum angular resolutions below $5^\circ$ are observed. Systematic deviations of this $μ$TPC-method are fully understood. The reconstruction capabilities for minimum ionizing muons are investigated in a 6.4cm$\times$6.4cm floating strip Micromegas under intense background irradiation of the whole active area with 20MeV protons at a rate of 550kHz. The spatial resolution for muons is not distorted by space charge effects. A 6.4cm$\times$6.4cm floating strip Micromegas doublet with low material budget is investigated in highly ionizing proton and carbon ion beams at particle rates between 2MHz and 2GHz. Stable operation up to the highest rates is observed, spatial resolution, detection efficiencies, the multi-hit and high-rate capability are discussed.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2012

Development of High-Resolution Muon Tracking Systems Based on Micropattern Detectors

A muon tracking system consisting of four 9cm x 10cm sized bulk Micromegas detectors with 128um amplification-gap and two 10cm x 10cm triple GEM detectors is foreseen for high-precision tracking of 140GeV muons at the H8 beamline at CERN with a rate of up to 10kHz and an overall resolution below 40um. Larger detectors with an active area of 0.5m^2 and more are under development for detector studies in high neutron or gamma ray background environments at the Gamma Irradiation Facility at CERN and the Munich tandem accelerator. Signal studies of both detector types have been performed by recording cosmic muon and 5.9keV X-ray signals with a single charge-sensitive preamplifier using several gas-mixtures of Ar:CO_2. The signals were digitized using 1GHz VME based flashADCs with 2520 sampling points. The analysis of the complete signal-cycles allows for the determination of rise times, pulse heights, timing fluctuations and discrimination of background, resulting in a FWHM energy resolution of about 20% and detection efficiencies of 99% and more. Models for signal formation in both detector types will be presented. The single detector spatial resolution of 80um was measured using a fast Gassiplex based strip readout with readout strips of 150um width and a pitch of 250um. The Gassiplex readout, formerly used at the HERMES experiment, had to be substantially adapted. No more crosstalk or non-linearities were observed after reconfiguration of the multiplexing amplifier on the frontend boards. The observed spatial resolution is limited by multiple scattering of the cosmic muons used in the laboratory. We also report on the sensitivity to gamma- and neutron background and on the behaviour of spatial resolution as a function of background rates.

physics.ins-det↗