Zero (support) Mass detector development (ZMD)

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The ZMD programme aims to make novel silicon detector module prototypes using ultra thin silicon. In particle physics detectors like those at the Large Hadron Collider, silicon detector layers pinpoint the location of charged particles as they pass on curved paths through the detector. By "connecting the dots" from such measurements, the momentum of such particles is measured. But the more material is used in such detectors, and particularly in their support structures, the more likely particles are to be deflected, reducing the precision of the measurement. This problem can be solved by new technology, such as ZMD, that will reduce the mas of silicon detector layers.There are two main steps achieve this: the first is to thin the silicon, and the second is to support the thin material by imposing stress in the crystal. Fortunately, by curving the silicon sensor we can make it self-supporting to a significant degree, while doing minimal damaging to its overall properties.This work follows on from the Arachnid WP3 programme, and builds on expertise developed for the ATLAS ITk project at Queen Mary University of London.A successful outcome of this programme could lead to a significant reduction in radiation length of silicon trackers. This will translate into improved measurements of charged particle tracks; in turn leading to an improvement to measurements made in particle physics. A natural consequence of this work will be a much deeper understanding of the shape of silicon sensors and modules in detectors that will inform the design of alignment algorithms and future tracking systems. This in turn will lead to the potential for significant improvements in physics performance for next generation tracking systems.We will work closely with a UK company, Micron Semiconductor Ltd., in developing this technology, and our success in developing this new technology will have a significant impact on their business and potentially other UK companies as well.