Objectives
- DRD1 (Gaseous Detector R&D Collaboration) Gaseous detectors are fundamental research tools for exploring nature’s laws. They were initially used in nuclear physics, particle and astroparticle physics, and additionally in x-ray and neutron imaging as well as in other daily-life applications. Future experiments will require instrumentation of large area coverage with timing capabilities never attained before. This is essential for identifying particles based on their time of flight and for accurate tracking. The scientific objectives of these experiments require an enhanced momentum resolution, and the instrumentation must be able to function effectively for many years with little intervention. Various readout techniques are necessary for tracking detectors that cover significant volumes, such as MPGD, optical readout, and direct links to ASICs. The challenges from the wide range of cutting-edge technologies must be addressed to lead future innovations of high relevance to future collider facilities, as well as in future research programs in areas such as nuclear, astroparticle, neutrino, rare event studies, and applications having an impact on the society, all of which require the use of advanced Gaseous Detectors.
- Our team is contributing to electronics data-acquisition and front-end developments, as well as to improvements and new developments of modeling and simulation software for gaseous detectors and for Micro Pattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGD). These activities will be carried out inside the Working Package 1 and Working Groups 4 and 5 established within the DRD 1 collaboration, according to the tasks and deliverables set within the Collaboration Proposal, which will be reflected in the upcoming MoU.
Contributions
Work Package 1 - Trackers, Hodoscopes, Large area muon systems
- D1.1 Large area RPC and MPGD prototypes
- Modelling and simulation software with GPU and/or FPGA acceleration applied to MPGD and RPC detectors
- D1.2 New frontend and DAQ systems
- MPGD-specific studies and development of ASIC building blocks, as part of the Working Group 5 activities
- PGD-specific implementation of data acquisition and online data processing FPGA firmware as part or derived from the Working Group 5 activities
Working Group 4 - Modelling and Simulations
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We investigate low-temperature gas plasmas and electron-scattering processes, which are central to many applications in gas physics. This research is particularly relevant for the modeling of gaseous detectors, plasma discharges, and other systems in which electron-molecule interactions play a fundamental role.
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We develop tools and frameworks aimed at improving the precision and flexibility of gas-detector simulations, especially for Micromegas. These efforts contribute to better particle-tracking performance and support the precise measurement of rare processes, thereby enabling searches for new physics and a deeper understanding of fundamental interactions. We also contribute to the maintenance and further development of simulation frameworks for induced signals in detectors with resistive elements, including the use of FPGA-based acceleration technologies.
Working Group 5 - Electronics for Gaseous Detectors
- Front-end ASIC for MPGDs (D5.1.5)
- Organization of the community survey on chip requirements, as well as investigating collaboration possibilities in the DRD 1 collaboration towards the development of a gaseous detector specific front-end ASIC
- Design, prototype and test front-end ASIC digital building blocks, with implementation of a multi-channel front-end ASIC prototype as part of a DRD 1 collaborative effort
- SRSe (D5.2.1-4)
- Participation to the system design and planning of the new SRS components (eFEC – D5.2.1) in collaboration to other DRD 1 institutions
- Participation to the SOC environment implementation
- Development of Data Acquisition platform based on RDMA technology. Related SOC and FPGA firmware design and software development (D5.2.3, D5.2.9)
- FPGA-firmware development for integration of VMM, Sampa and future novel front-end circuits (D5.2.2, D5.2.5)
- Development of FPGA-based online data processing algorithms for various gaseous detectors and applications