Speaker
Description
Mostly all operating and planned large-area space detectors for charged cosmic rays (CCR) and γ -ray (GR) measurement require solid state tracking systems based on Si-microstrip (SiMS) sensors. In the context of the Pentadimensional Tracking Space Detector project (PTSD), we are currently developing a demonstrator to increase the Technological Readiness Level of LGAD Si-microstrip tracking detectors for applications in space-borne instruments.
The Low Gain Avalanche Diode (LGAD) Si-sensor is a consolidated technology developed for particle detectors at colliders which allows for simultaneous and accurate time (<100 ps) and position (~ 10 µm) resolutions with segmented Si sensors. The space-qualification of 5D detectors based on LGAD Si-microstrips with O(100ps) timing capabilities will provide a breakthrough technology for charged particle tracking, enabling unprecedented solutions for future space experiments. LGADs also feature thinner thickness while achieving signal yields similar to those of SiMs currently operating in space, thus opening possible application for low-material budget GR converter trackers.
This contribution will present the study performed at the Italian Space Agency - Concurrent Engineering Facility (ASI-CEF), addressed to the design of a LGAD-tracker flight-demonstrator to be housed in a 6U-XL CubeSat platform (Space LGAD for Astrophysics mission, SLA). The CubeSat payload is designed on the performances of the “space LGAD sensor” currently being developed by the PTSD team. This demonstrator will serve as a proof-of-concept for 5D tracking in space (concurrent precision position, charge and time measurements with the same tracking detector). The successful operations in space of the demonstrator will confirm the Technological Readiness Level (TRL) of SiMS LGAD-trackers to 9, making it a viable and available technology for future mission opportunities for charged CR and γ-ray instruments.
| Position | First technologist, Head of space-based Data Processing and Scientific Applications Sector |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | Italian Space Agency |
| Country | Italy |
