Expanding the timing frontier: precision timing for particle tracking and identification

在HL-LHC上大量增加的堆积(重叠的质子-质子相互作用)是其物理计划的主要实验挑战之一。堆积的影响可以通过一种新颖而强大的方法来缓解：使用高精度的定时信息来解决在空间上非常接近但在时间上完全分开的碰撞，即能够在4D而不是像目前所做的那样在3D中进行跟踪。要实现这一点，开发具有一流位置分辨率和几十皮秒定时的新型探测器是至关重要的。低增益Avalange二极管传感器(LGAD)已经显示出合适的时间响应，但它们不允许形成小的辐射，也不足以在ATLAS ITK像素探测器的最内层运行，也不包括在LHCb实验的升级中。正在开发的实现超快计时的有希望的选择是3D传感器，其中电极穿透整体，以及单片有源传感器。为了推动这些用于LHC实验升级的新型传感器的开发，并为未来对撞机的实验做准备，提供快速计时能力的改进仪器至关重要。这样的设备还将为STFC的所有领域和设施带来前所未有的机会。这笔赠款将允许采购一个12 GHz信号发生器、一个快速示波器(每个样本8ps)和一个逻辑分析仪。这些设备将使超高速硅探测器和相关读数在实际操作条件下得到适当的表征，特别是能够精确测量它们的(超快)响应信号。该设备还将使快速硅光传感器(SiPM)的表征转向用于探测暗物质的大规模阵列。探测器的开发是粒子物理发现的引擎。这项提议旨在采购必要的设备来开发新技术，以确保我们在英国的油田的活力，并通过积极的研发来进行面向未来的STFC研究，并在未来具有出色的发现潜力。

The large increase in pileup (overlapping proton-proton interactions) at the HL-LHC is one of the leading experimental challenges for its physics programme. The effects of pileup can be mitigated with a novel and powerful approach: using high-precision timing information to resolve collisions occurring very close in space but well-separated in time, i.e., enabling tracking in 4D rather than in 3D as currently done.To achieve this, the development of novel detectors achieving first-rate position resolution together with a timing of a few tens of picoseconds is crucial. Low-Gain Avalange Diode sensors (LGADs) have shown a suitable time response but they do not allow for the formation of small nor are yet radiation hard enough to operate in the innermost layers of the ATLAS ITk pixel detector or to be included in the upgrades of the LHCb experiment. Promising options under development to reach ultra-fast timing are 3D sensors, where the electrodes penetrate the bulk, and monolithic active sensors.To advance the development of these novel sensors for the upgrades of LHC experiments and prepare for experiments at future colliders, improved instrumentation providing fast timing capability is crucial. Such devices will also bring unprecedented opportunities across all of the STFC's areas and facilities.This grant will permit the procurement of a 12 GHz signal generator, a fast oscilloscope (<8ps per sample), and a logic analyser. These will enable the proper characterisation of ultra-fast silicon detectors and associated readout at realistic operating conditions, in particular enabling precise measurements of their (ultra-fast) response signals.The equipment will also enable the characterisation of fast silicon light sensors (SiPMs) towards their use is large-scale arrays for the detection of dark matter.Detector development is the engine of discovery in particle physics. This proposal aims to procure the necessary equipment to develop new technologies to ensure vitality of our field in the UK, and to future-proof STFC research through active R&D, with outstanding discovery potential for the future.