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Evaluation of the Front-End FERS 5202 Readout System for Muon Radiography Applications

R. M. I. D Gamage, F. Ambrosino, L. Cimmino, G. Nyitrai, G. Saracino

TL;DR

The paper characterizes the FERS-5202 front-end readout for SiPMs, focusing on charge resolution, dynamic range, and single-photon noise performance to support muon radiography and photon-counting applications. It employs Hamamatsu MPPCs to evaluate both fundamental metrics and real-world detector configurations, including external-trigger and self-trigger modes. The work demonstrates a 64-channel front-end with dual CITIROC ASICs, high-voltage per-channel control, precise timing, and a scalable TDlink network, and shows quantitative results such as a single-photoelectron gain of 40.76 ± 0.15 PHA units/p.e. and long-term stability under practical operation. Overall, the study provides actionable reference data and proves the system’s suitability for compact, near-detector deployment in challenging environments, including borehole muon radiography.

Abstract

This work presents a comprehensive characterization of the FERS 5202 front-end readout unit when processing signals from Silicon Photo-multipliers (SiPMs). The readout system's performance is characterized in terms of its charge resolution, dynamic range, and noise performance at the single photoelectron level, which is critical for applications requiring detection of low-light signals such as medical imaging, high-energy physics experiments and photon counting applications. The evaluation encompassed both fundamental performance metrics and practical implementation scenarios using Hamamatsu MPPC devices. This work aims to provide valuable reference data not only for our intended muon radiography application but also for the broader scientific community employing SiPMs in diverse experimental contexts.

Evaluation of the Front-End FERS 5202 Readout System for Muon Radiography Applications

TL;DR

The paper characterizes the FERS-5202 front-end readout for SiPMs, focusing on charge resolution, dynamic range, and single-photon noise performance to support muon radiography and photon-counting applications. It employs Hamamatsu MPPCs to evaluate both fundamental metrics and real-world detector configurations, including external-trigger and self-trigger modes. The work demonstrates a 64-channel front-end with dual CITIROC ASICs, high-voltage per-channel control, precise timing, and a scalable TDlink network, and shows quantitative results such as a single-photoelectron gain of 40.76 ± 0.15 PHA units/p.e. and long-term stability under practical operation. Overall, the study provides actionable reference data and proves the system’s suitability for compact, near-detector deployment in challenging environments, including borehole muon radiography.

Abstract

This work presents a comprehensive characterization of the FERS 5202 front-end readout unit when processing signals from Silicon Photo-multipliers (SiPMs). The readout system's performance is characterized in terms of its charge resolution, dynamic range, and noise performance at the single photoelectron level, which is critical for applications requiring detection of low-light signals such as medical imaging, high-energy physics experiments and photon counting applications. The evaluation encompassed both fundamental performance metrics and practical implementation scenarios using Hamamatsu MPPC devices. This work aims to provide valuable reference data not only for our intended muon radiography application but also for the broader scientific community employing SiPMs in diverse experimental contexts.
Paper Structure (7 sections, 11 figures, 2 tables)

This paper contains 7 sections, 11 figures, 2 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. FERS-5200 Readout System: Technical Overview
  3. Trigger Acceptance Frequency Characterization
  4. Test with SiPMs and External Trigger
  5. Single Photoelectron Spectrum Characterization
  6. Cosmic Muon with external trigger
  7. Conclusion

Figures (11)

  • Figure 1: FERS 5200, A5202 (left) and DT5202 desktop version (right) units.
  • Figure 2: Block diagram of the FERS 5202 Unit. CAEN_a5202
  • Figure 3: FERS-5200 Tree Network: Up to 16 FERS units can be connected in a daisy-chain configuration using the Optical Link (TDlink). A single Concentrator Board can manage data from up to 8 TDlink connections, supporting a maximum of 128 FERS units in total. venaruzzo2020fers5200
  • Figure 4: Sketch of the external trigger system using the fast shaper
  • Figure 5: Charge injector circuit for the FERS A5202 unit.
  • ...and 6 more figures