arXiv subjects

M. Platino

Publications and source records attributed to M. Platino.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Microwave SQUID Multiplexer Readout Performance Using a Direct-RF RFSoC-Based Software-Defined Radio

In this work, we report the experimental readout results of a μMUX device using a Direct-RF SDR prototype based on the ZCU216 Radio-Frequency System-on-Chip (RFSoC) evaluation board. First, the analog performance of the SDR system was evaluated both in loopback and coupled to the cryogenic multiplexing system. Then, the SDR system performance was optimized for μMUX readout, focusing on bolometric applications. Finally, the minimum demodulated flux noise was obtained through the optimally conditioned readout of a μMUX channel. The results presented are comparable to those obtained with traditional SDR architectures and demonstrate that the Direct-RF SDR prototype is suitable for the readout of μMUX devices. We anticipate that Direct-RF SDR technology will play a key role in enabling the next generation of SDR readout systems for frequency-multiplexed low-temperature detector arrays.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2024

Optimal Demodulation Domain for Microwave SQUID Multiplexers in Presence of Readout System Noise

The Microwave SQUID Multiplexer (μMUX) is the device of choice for the readout of a large number of Low-Temperature Detectors in a wide variety of experiments within the fields of astronomy and particle physics. While it offers large multiplexing factors, the system noise performance is highly dependent on the cold and warm-readout electronic systems used to read it out, as well as the demodulation domain and parameters chosen. In order to understand the impact of the readout systems in the overall detection system noise performance, first we extended the available μMUX simulation frameworks including additive and multiplicative noise sources in the probing tones (i.e. phase and amplitude noise), along with the capability of demodulating the scientific data, either in resonator's phase or scattering amplitude. Then, considering the additive noise as a dominant noise source, the optimum readout parameters to achieve minimum system noise were found for both open-loop and flux-ramp demodulation schemes in the aforementioned domains. Later, we evaluated the system noise sensitivity to multiplicative noise sources under the optimum readout parameters. Finally, as a case study, we evaluated the optimal demodulation domain and expected system noise level for a typical Software-Defined Radio (SDR) readout system. This work leads to an improved system performance prediction and noise engineering based on the available readout electronics and selected demodulation domain.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2024

RFSoC Gen3-Based Software-Defined Radio Characterization for the Readout System of Low-Temperature Bolometers

This work reports the performance evaluation of an SDR readout system based on the latest generation (Gen3) of the AMD's Radio Frequency System-on-Chip (RFSoC) processing platform, which integrates a full-stack processing system and a powerful FPGA with up to 32 high-speed and high-resolution 14-bit Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) and Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs). The proposed readout system uses a previously developed multi-band, double-conversion IQ RF-mixing board targeting a multiplexing factor of approximately 1,000 bolometers in a bandwidth between 4 and 8 GHz, in line with state-of-the-art microwave SQUID multiplexers ($μ$MUX). The characterization of the system was performed in two stages, under the conditions typically imposed by the multiplexer and the cold readout circuit. First, in transmission, showing that noise and spurious levels of the generated tones are close to the values imposed by the cold readout. Second, in RF loopback, presenting noise values better than -100 dBc/Hz totally in agreement with the state-of-the-art readout systems. It was demonstrated that the RFSoC Gen3 device is a suitable enabling technology for the next generation of superconducting detector readout systems, reducing system complexity, increasing system integration, and achieving these goals without performance degradation.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2023

Measuring the CMB primordial B-modes with Bolometric Interferometry

The Q&U Bolometric Interferometer for Cosmology (QUBIC) is the first bolometric interferometer designed to measure the primordial B-mode polarization of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB). Bolometric interferometry is a novel technique that combines the sensitivity of bolometric detectors with the control of systematic effects that is typical of interferometry, both key features in the quest for the faint signal of the primordial B-modes. A unique feature is the so-called "spectral imaging", i.e., the ability to recover the sky signal in several sub-bands within the physical band during data analysis. This feature provides an in-band spectral resolution of Δν/ν \sim 0.04 that is unattainable by a traditional imager. This is a key tool for controlling the Galactic foregrounds contamination. In this paper, we describe the principles of bolometric interferometry, the current status of the QUBIC experiment and future prospects.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2023

An Implementation of a Channelizer based on a Goertzel Filter Bank for the Read-Out of Cryogenic Sensors

In this work we present an application of the Goertzel Filter for the channelization of multi-tonal signals, typically used for the read-out of cryogenic sensors which are multiplexed in the frequency domain (FDM), by means of Microwave Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) Multiplexer ($μ$MUX). We demonstrate how implementing a bank of many of these filters, can be used to perform a channelization of the multi-tonal input signal to retrieve the data added by the sensors. We show how this approach can be implemented in a resource-efficient manner in a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) within the state-of-the-art, which allows great scalability for reading thousands of sensors; as is required by Radio Telescopes in Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMB) surveys using cryogenic bolometers, particles detection like Neutrino mass estimation using cryogenic calorimeters or Quantum Computing.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2022

Status of QUBIC, the Q&U Bolometer for Cosmology

The Q&U Bolometric Interferometer for Cosmology (QUBIC) is a novel kind of polarimeter optimized for the measurement of the B-mode polarization of the Cosmic Microwave Back-ground (CMB), which is one of the major challenges of observational cosmology. The signal is expected to be of the order of a few tens of nK, prone to instrumental systematic effects and polluted by various astrophysical foregrounds which can only be controlled through multichroic observations. QUBIC is designed to address these observational issues with a novel approach that combines the advantages of interferometry in terms of control of instrumental systematics with those of bolometric detectors in terms of wide-band, background-limited sensitivity.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2014

Digital Electronics for the Pierre Auger Observatory AMIGA Muon Counters

The "Auger Muons and Infill for the Ground Array" (AMIGA) project provides direct muon counting capacity to the Pierre Auger Observatory and extends its energy detection range down to 0.3 EeV. It currently consists of 61 detector pairs (a Cherenkov surface detector and a buried muon counter) distributed over a 23.5 km2 area on a 750 m triangular grid. Each counter relies on segmented scintillator modules storing a logical train of '0's and '1's on each scintillator segment at a given time slot. Muon counter data is sampled and stored at 320 MHz allowing both the detection of single photoelectrons and the implementation of an offline trigger designed to mitigate multi-pixel PMT crosstalk and dark rate undesired effects. Acquisition is carried out by the digital electronics built around a low power Cyclone III FPGA. This paper presents the digital electronics design, internal and external synchronization schemes, hardware tests, and first results from the Observatory.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2013

An outdoor test facility for the Cherenkov Telescope Array mirrors

The Cherenkov Telescopes Array (CTA) is planned to be an Observatory for very high energy gamma ray astronomy and will consist of several tens of telescopes which account for a reflective surface of more than 10000 m$^2$. The mirrors of these telescopes will be formed by a set of facets. Different technological solutions, for a fast and cost efficient production of light-weight mirror facets are under test inside the CTA Consortium. Most of them involve composite structures whose behavior under real observing conditions is not yet fully tested. An outdoor test facility has been built in one of the candidate sites for CTA, in Argentina (San Antonio de los Cobres [SAC], 3600m a.s.l) in order to monitor the optical and mechanical properties of these facets exposed to the local atmospheric conditions for a given period of time. In this work we present the preliminary results of the first Middle Size Telescope (MST) mirror-monitoring campaign, started in 2013.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2009

First buried muon counter prototype for the Auger Observatory

AMIGA (Auger Muons and Infill for the Ground Array) constitutes an enhancement for the Pierre Auger Observatory. It consists of a denser array of surface detectors and muon counters whose objective is both to extend the detection range down to 10^17 eV and to help towards mass composition determination. The latter is to be achieved with muon counters since the shower muon content is one of the best parameter for particle type identification. In this work, we present the study of a muon counter prototype. The prototype was buried 3 m deep in an effort to avoid signal contamination from the shower electromagnetic component. We study the performance of the detector before and after burying it with its associated electronic components. The detector validation is performed from signal analysis of charged particles traversing the counter.

astro-ph.IM↗