INCOM, INC. — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 34a

Description

Nuclear physics research has a need for devices to detect, analyze, and track photons, charged particles, and neutral particles such as neutrons, neutrinos, and single atoms. Particle Identification PID) subsystems, often operating in magnetic fields >1.5 Tesla, require highly segmented 2-3 mm pixel) photodetectors with high gain, low intrinsic background, and high photocathode efficiency to support the high rates found in noisy radiation environments. LAPPD™ currently being commercialized by Incom, Inc. has demonstrated many of the needed requirements, however, there is still much development and optimization needed for LAPPD™ to be a candidate for these applications. Development and demonstration of a pixelated readout is essential for EIC R&D efforts and can potentially provide an upgrade option for current Nuclear Physics PID subsystems. Initial Phase I development will demonstrate proof of concept success using a co-fired ceramic CC) process to fabricate a 10 × 10 cm format pixelated anode, which can later be scaled up to the full size 20 × 20 cm LAPPD™ anode. This technology allows for the electrical and mechanical properties of the anode to be decoupled so each can be independently optimized. Later in Phase II, these anodes will be incorporated into a new 10 × 10 cm sealed device, the High Rate Picosecond Photo-Detector HRPPD). The ultimate goal of this program is to demonstrate over the next two years, the readiness of LAPPD™, equipped with a 2-3 mm pixelated anode, to perform with high spatial ≤1 mm2) and timing <10 ps) resolution at rates ≥200 kHz/cm2 in a high radiation 10 Mrad with 1015 n/cm2) and large magnetic field 2-3 T) environment for time-of-flight and Cherenkov detectors with broad particle identification capabilities. LAPPD™ and the HRPPD will enable new techniques in HEP, homeland security non-proliferation) sensors to screen vehicles and cargo for Special Nuclear Materials SNMs) and scientific detectors for astrophysics, time-of-flight mass spectrometry and medical imaging products including detectors for positron emission tomography PET scanning) that are not accessible with conventional small area MCP-PMTs.