arXiv subjects

Kai-Thomas Brinkmann

Publications and source records attributed to Kai-Thomas Brinkmann.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Red Pitaya DAQ for fast neutron detection: a scalable, compact and low-cost solution

In this work, we present the initial results of a compact fast-neutron detection system based on the EJ-276D plastic scintillator, a dual-channel readout using two silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) with complementary cell geometries, and a data acquisition (DAQ) system built on the StemLab Red Pitaya FPGA platform. The system combines the pulse shape discrimination (PSD) capability of EJ-276D with custom, cost-effective analog front-end electronics and open-source DAQ firmware. Unlike traditional systems relying on bulky photomultiplier tubes or liquid scintillator detectors, our design is portable and scalable. It achieves a Figure of Merit of 1.61 in the 2.75--3.0\,MeV$_{ee}$ energy range, comparable to established setups, while requiring only a single +5\,V USB power source. The results demonstrate the potential of this approach for in-situ neutron detection in mixed radiation fields, with the FPGA programmability of the Red Pitaya enabling straightforward adaptation to diverse academic and industrial applications.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2018

Development of a SiPM-based readout-module for the characterization of various scintillator materials

In this paper we discuss a general approach to use SiPMs in different electrical configurations in combination with numerous scintillator materials for applications in nuclear instrumentation, such as calorimetry and timing. The "hybrid" configuration used in the PANDA detector was found to show the fastest timing properties with several hundred pico second response by combining the advantages of a large active area while avoiding high operation voltages and dark noise. A "parallel" configuration shows the largest light collection efficiency and is therefore suitable for energy measurements. Several calibration spectra were taken to measure the energy deposit of minimal ionizing cosmic muons in a two-centimeter-thick PbWO$_4$ crystal.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2018

Ce-doped Gd${}_{3}$Al${}_{2}$Ga${}_{3}$O${}_{12}$ scintillator for compact, effective and high time resolution detector of the fast neutrons

Gadolinium-aluminum-gallium garnet Gd${}_{3}$Al${}_{2}$Ga${}_{3}$O${}_{12}$:Ce scintillator is demonstrated to be an excellent scintillation material for detector of fast neutrons for the first time. Moreover, its application allows to obtain different responses to neutrons depending on their energy spectrum. This is achieved because the material, firstly, has high content of Gd, which absorbs neutrons with following emission of $γ$-quanta, and, secondly, detects this radiation efficiently thanks to high stopping power, fast scintillation kinetics, high scintillation light yield and good energy resolution. It was shown by simulation that several characteristic regions could be distinguished in $γ$-quanta pulse height spectra acquired with GAGG:Ce crystal under neutron irradiation, with energies nearly 90 and 190, and 511 keV; all these lines have different relative intensities depending on incident neutrons kinetic energy. This was confirmed by followed measurements with Am-Be neutron source. Scintillator shows coincidence time resolution better than 200ps for$γ$-quanta of 511 keV energy, what makes it the material of choice to separate neutrons by time-of-flight technique. Combining of detecting properties creates prospects to construct compact and fast neutron detector, capable of detection of each particle individually and registration of its specific response. This possibility could bring benefits to neutron-based examination techniques, e.g. utilizing time of flight methods and new capabilities of accelerator based bright neutron sources.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2013

Status and Perspectives of PANDA

Physics with antiprotons in the charmonium mass region will play a major role at the future PANDA experiment at the FAIR facility in Darmstadt. At PANDA, an antiproton beam with momenta up to 15 GeV/c circulating in the high-energy storage ring HESR will interact with a hydrogen target. High interaction rates and unprecedented momentum precision will allow experiments addressing, among a variety of other physics goals, hidden and open charm spectroscopy. The detector system of PANDA is optimized to meet the challenges of high-resolution spectroscopy of charmonium states of any quantum number in formation and production with very good background suppression. At the same time, emphasis is placed on meeting the requirements of other parts of the physics program as, e.g. spectroscopy of hypernuclei, with a flexible setup of detector components. This contribution discusses the layout of the PANDA detector. Apart from a description of the overall layout of the experiment, several novel detector developments will be described.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2007

Exploring the Mysteries of Strong Interactions - The PANDA Experiment

The physics of strong interactions is undoubtedly one of the most challenging areas of modern science. The PANDA experiment will be devoted to charmonium spectroscopy, gluonic excitations (hybrids, glueballs), open and hidden charm in nuclei, gamma-ray spectroscopy of hypernuclei, and selected other topics, which will be studied with unprecedented accuracy. In this overview article we introduce the physics case and the detector array.

physics.ins-det↗