arXiv subjects

Qicai Li

Publications and source records attributed to Qicai Li.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Integration and characterization of Readout Electronics System for dN/dx Measurement with Drift Chamber Prototype

To explore the feasibility of high-precision particle identification using the cluster counting technique for the drift chamber, a dedicated readout electronics system with low noise, high bandwidth, and high sampling rate is required. This paper presents the design and performance evaluation of a scalable readout prototype developed for this application. The system architecture integrates a custom front-end with a $1.3\ \text{GSps}$ waveform sampling backend, implemented within a modular 120-channel framework. Laboratory characterization of the 40-channel prototype demonstrates a $-3$ dB analog bandwidth of $460\ \text{MHz}$ and an Equivalent Noise Input current of $0.81\ \mu\text{A}_\text{rms}$. These specifications are essential for preserving the fast temporal features of ionization signals. Furthermore, the system achieves an intrinsic timing jitter of $0.87\ \text{ns}$, which satisfies the timing precision requirements for drift distance measurement. Joint experiments with a drift chamber prototype using cosmic rays verified the system's capability to resolve discrete ionization peaks within piled-up waveforms. These results confirm that the readout electronics provide the signal fidelity and temporal resolution necessary for future cluster counting algorithm development.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2026

Development of Readout Electronics for a High-Speed Event-Driven Neutron Imaging Detector Based on Timepix4

As the Chinese Spallation Neutron Source enters Phase II, the increase in proton beam power will lead to a further boost in the intensity of pulsed neutron beams. To address the demand for higher event-rate readout electronics for energy-resolved neutron imaging detectors, we have developed a high-performance readout electronics system based on the Timepix4 chip. The prototype electronics system comprises a Timepix4 chip board and a high-performance digital board, which are interconnected through a custom FMC interface. The advantage of this system is its ability to achieve the full bandwidth readout of 160 Gbps for a single Timepix4 chip. The electronics system, based solely on a single ZYNQ-MPSOC chip, is capable of fully meeting the required performance specifications within a compact form factor of 8 cm x 30 cm. Furthermore, the system features a high-capacity external SODIMM memory interface (supporting up to 32 GB), which ensures stable data readout through a single 40 Gbps QSFP+ interface. As of the present moment, notable progress has been achieved, including the successful establishment of 16 data channels between Timepix4 and FPGA that operate error-free and stably at a speed of 5.12 Gbps, which is half of the maximum theoretical speed of 10.24 Gbps. The threshold standard deviation across all pixels is less than 50 e- after equalization. And the clear structural results obtained from X-ray experiments indicate that the functionality is essentially complete, allowing further testing.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2026

CTPX1: A Highly Integrated and High-Throughput Data-Driven Camera Based on Timepix4

The upgrade of the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS-II) will raise the proton beam power to 500 kW. Consequently, the existing Timepix3-based detector systems, limited to a count rate of 80 Mhits/s, will encounter severe saturation challenges. To address the demand of the Energy-Resolved Neutron Imaging instrument (ERNI) for next-generation higher count-rate electronics, this paper presents CTPX1, a high-performance data-driven camera system based on the Timepix4 ASIC. The system adopts a compact modular architecture, integrating readout electronics, a precision high-voltage bias unit, and a TEC temperature control subsystem. To fully exploit the readout potential of the Timepix4 ASIC's 16 high-speed serial links, this paper proposes a two-stage parallel processing architecture. This architecture achieves real-time data aggregation with a total bandwidth of up to 81.92 Gbps. Over a continuous 12-hour operation period, temperature fluctuations were kept within 0.1 {\deg}C while the high-voltage output noise remained below 1 mV. High-flux X-ray testing indicates that the system achieves a peak event readout rate of 1.17 Ghits/s, approaching the limit of the configured link speed. In-beam neutron verification at CSNS confirms that the camera successfully resolves fine spatial structures, achieving an imaging performance consistent with the 55 {\mu}m pixel pitch of the sensor. Furthermore, the clear observation of spectral features in the Time of flight (TOF) spectrum of a {\gamma}-Fe sample validates the system's good time resolution. This camera effectively addresses the data readout saturation challenges, validates the feasibility of Timepix4 technology for neutron imaging, and provides a viable solution for next-generation high-performance neutron imaging instruments.

physics.ins-det↗