You are here

Rad-Hard Dual-Threshold High Count Rate Silicon Pixel Array Detector

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-12ER90369
Agency Tracking Number: 99527
Amount: $150,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 23 a
Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0000577
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2012
Award Year: 2012
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2012-02-20
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2012-11-19
Small Business Information
15985 NW Schendel Avenue
Beaverton, OR 97006-6703
United States
DUNS: 124348652
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Adam Lee
 Dr.
 (971) 223-5646
 adaml@voxtel-inc.com
Business Contact
 George Williams
Title: Mr.
Phone: (971) 223-5646
Email: georgew@voxtel-inc.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

Available 2D multiwire proportional counters (MWPC) are limited by their low global countrate capability and are insufficient for imaging XCS (xray crystal spectroscopy) experiments. Solid state xray pixilated array detectors have been shown to overcome this problem. However, large area solid state 2D detectors with higher performance, increased functionality, and dualthreshold capabilities are needed for planned experiments. Because of the harsh environment inside the tokamak vacuum vessel, these detectors must also function and perform with high reliability in conditions not previously encountered by diagnostic technology. A prototype of a high performance xray pixilated array detector (PAD) will be demonstrated. Each pixel of the PAD is configured with spectroscopic amplifier features, including programmablegain lownoise preamplifier and variable bandwidth pulse shaping circuits. Enhanced xray photon counting functions are also included. Following the amplifier circuits in each pixel are two programmable pulse discrimination circuits (comparators) and two programmable, separatelygateable counters. Each counter, individually userprogrammed, allows for gating. The two counters can be enabled simultaneously or be gated for interleaved counting. Also, the counters can be configured as two separate 15bit counters or as a single 30bit counter. Another included feature is integrate whileread. The pixels can count photons at over 100 MHz rates. In Phase II, incorporating the performance and features required by the target users, a new PAD will be fabricated and demonstrated with camera electronics. Commercial applications and other benefits: The innovation has application to a range of high energy physics (HEP), nuclear physics, and other science applications. The innovation also has applicability for medical applications including digital mammography, PET, SPECT, and others. Other applications include homeland security, nuclear weapons monitoring, as well as industrial inspection.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government