LPKF ProtoLaser U4 Laser router

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We propose to purchase an LPKF Protolaser U4 laser router to develop the capability to fabricate ultra-low-mass, multilayer, high density, aluminium/Kapton flex circuits as a key part of developing low mass silicon detector elements for future particle physics experiments. These low mass structures are a crucial part of future detector development, as lowering the mass of these systems reduces the multiple scattering interaction between particles and the detector itself, making the determination of particle tracks more precise, and allowing more sensitive physics measurements to be made. The system will integrate with the current PCB production facilities of the Oxford Physics Department Central Electronics Group (CEG) where it will be available to Oxford groups and the wider experimental physics community as part of an accessible suite of fabrication tools under the small research facilities (SRF) scheme. It will be supported, and exploited, to maximum benefit by an expert engineering team already working in this field. It compliments and enhances the low mass development activities already undertaken at Oxford as part of the Mu3e collaboration, where we are responsible for the construction of the outer pixel ladders. The principle benefits of bringing this capability in house are: To shorten the prototyping time from approximately three months currently with an external supplier to a few days. This will allow a completely different mode of working and will significantly improve the performance of the circuit designs.To increase the robustness of production, as there are currently only two manufacturers available worldwide.To bring the engineering design team closer to the production to allow further optimisation, and integration of the design, making full use of the technology.To reduce the cost of prototyping. There is currently a minimum cost per prototyping run of £7,500 plus tax, which makes multiple trials of advanced designs prohibitive.This relates to STFC core programme grant ST/W000628/1.