Data acquisition systems for the Megapixel detectors at the XFEL and for future high energy physics experiments

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The student project would fit into program of R&D into data acquisition (DAQ) systems suitable for a number of future applications, and specifically Megapixel detectors planned for the X-ray Free Electron LASER (XFEL), which require high data rates, low latency and possibly triggering. The work aims to exploit the latest advances from industry and to develop a system which is flexible, scalable and upgradeable. Often DAQ systems are a secondary part of a project, with little time apportioned to development. Usually, older systems are selected which present far reduced risk (at the cost of reduced performance). By developing a DAQ system prior to, or in parallel with, the projects that will eventually need it, we can provide a sufficiently powerful, modern, standards-based system and reduce risk and development time. Both groups, UCL and STFC laboratories (RAL), have a strong history of DAQ systems and are also both looking to exploit future technological advances. We are now collaborating on providing DAQ systems for the XFEL detectors, pooling our expertise with the aim of providing a working system on the timescale of the end of the proposed student's PhD. This project would provide the student with many skills which could be used in an academic and industrial environment alike. The work would involve all aspects of DAQ hardware and software development: design, firmware development, software to control the system, laboratory and beam tests and final installation with the detectors.