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Introducing Timepix2-Lite: A Miniaturized Readout Interface Enabling Nanosecond-Scale Half-Life Measurement

O. Pavlas, B. Bergmann, M. Holik, M. Malich, S. Pospisil, P. Smolyanskiy, V. Vicha, R. Filgas

TL;DR

The paper addresses the need for compact, high-precision readout for Timepix2 detectors to enable nanosecond-scale timing in radiation measurements. It introduces Timepix2 Lite, a miniaturized USB-C interface integrated with the TrackLab software, capable of simultaneous ToA and ToT measurements and real-time visualization. The authors demonstrate the system's capabilities through functional tests at the CERN SPS and a nanosecond-scale half-life measurement of the second excited state in $^{237}$Np using a delayed-coincidence approach. The work showcases a portable, integrated solution with potential impact for lab-based and field-deployable nuclear instrumentation, enabling precise timing and energy measurements in a compact form factor.

Abstract

This paper presents Timepix2 Lite, a compact readout interface for the Timepix2 hybrid pixel detector, designed to provide high spatial and temporal resolution in a wide range of radiation detection applications. The Timepix2 Lite enables simultaneous energy and precise timing measurements on the nanosecond scale and supports advanced real-time data acquisition and visualization through the TrackLab software framework. Its compact and flexible architecture, enabled by the miniaturized design, allows seamless integration into diverse experimental setups, including nuclear spectroscopy, stratospheric balloon missions, and nanosecond-scale half-life measurements. As a case study, the half-life of the second excited state in 237Np was determined to be 67.5(7) ns for the 59.5 keV transition, consistent with previously reported results.

Introducing Timepix2-Lite: A Miniaturized Readout Interface Enabling Nanosecond-Scale Half-Life Measurement

TL;DR

The paper addresses the need for compact, high-precision readout for Timepix2 detectors to enable nanosecond-scale timing in radiation measurements. It introduces Timepix2 Lite, a miniaturized USB-C interface integrated with the TrackLab software, capable of simultaneous ToA and ToT measurements and real-time visualization. The authors demonstrate the system's capabilities through functional tests at the CERN SPS and a nanosecond-scale half-life measurement of the second excited state in Np using a delayed-coincidence approach. The work showcases a portable, integrated solution with potential impact for lab-based and field-deployable nuclear instrumentation, enabling precise timing and energy measurements in a compact form factor.

Abstract

This paper presents Timepix2 Lite, a compact readout interface for the Timepix2 hybrid pixel detector, designed to provide high spatial and temporal resolution in a wide range of radiation detection applications. The Timepix2 Lite enables simultaneous energy and precise timing measurements on the nanosecond scale and supports advanced real-time data acquisition and visualization through the TrackLab software framework. Its compact and flexible architecture, enabled by the miniaturized design, allows seamless integration into diverse experimental setups, including nuclear spectroscopy, stratospheric balloon missions, and nanosecond-scale half-life measurements. As a case study, the half-life of the second excited state in 237Np was determined to be 67.5(7) ns for the 59.5 keV transition, consistent with previously reported results.
Paper Structure (13 sections, 5 equations, 13 figures, 2 tables)

This paper contains 13 sections, 5 equations, 13 figures, 2 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Timepix2 Lite readout
  3. Timepix2
  4. Readout system description
  5. Communication with computer and SW integration
  6. Functional Testing of the Timepix2 Lite at the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron
  7. Measurement of second nuclear excited state in $^{237}$Np
  8. Experimental setup
  9. Decay Scheme of $^{241}$Am
  10. Data Analysis
  11. Results
  12. Future Measurements and Improvements
  13. Conclusion

Figures (13)

  • Figure 1: Timepix2 Lite readout: (a) overall view with dimensions 73 × 22 × 14 mm; the system consists of two printed circuit boards (PCBs): (b) the chipboard with the Timepix2 detector; and (c) the mainboard.
  • Figure 2: Readout hardware descriptor of Timepix2 Lite.
  • Figure 3: Detailed top and bottom views of the mainboard PCB. Labels (a-d) indicate the main components.
  • Figure 4: Detailed top and bottom views of the chipboard PCB. Labels (a-f) indicate the main components.
  • Figure 5: Experimental setup of the Timepix2 Lite at the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron. The backside of the Timepix2 Lite (a) is mounted on a rotation stage (c), and the center of the incoming hadron beam is indicated by (b).
  • ...and 8 more figures