Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH)

Development of a "Zero Time Detector" for Future Particle Accelerators

Scientist in Charge:  Horia Petrascu (hpetr@nipne.ro)

For applied accelerator systems such as accelerators for cancer therapy, a detailed knowledge of the beam geometry is required. This should be done in real time and in direct ion beam using a so called "zero time detector" type. It can be used to study the composition and the heavy ions position inside a beam. Also the position and the focalization of the global beam can be done. This detector can be realized, for example, having a parallelipipedic shape. In fig. 1 is represented a scheme that shows the concept of this type of detector.

The backscattered electrons released by an aluminium foil are deflected away from the main beam, by the aid of a magnetic field perpendicular on the applied electric field. The heavy ions beam pass through the grid of the anode, toward the cathode. Following the interaction with the aluminized mylar window, back scattered electrons with zero velocity are released in the chamber. Because of the applied electric field they will be accelerated and the magnetic field will bend their trajectories on an ellipsoidal path, out of the main beam.

Development of Dedicated Electronics for the "Zero Time Detector"

Scientist in Charge:  Horia Petrascu (hpetr@nipne.ro)

The purpose of this detector has been described above. Main task of the work for the ESR is to design the PCBs for the data extraction of the detector chip (COB) and pre-amplifying the individual signals to prepare them for data analysis by means of digital electronics including hard- and software.

Due to changes in phd regulations in Rumania these projects couldn't be realized as initialy planned.