Speaker
Description
We present performance studies and 3D imaging results from an Optical Time Projection Chamber (OTPC).
The prototype is a compact detector, suitable for $^{241}$Am α detection at 1 bar in CF$_{4}$-based mixtures.
Prompt scintillation (S1) is recorded with a PMT, electroluminescence (S2) is imaged with a scientific CMOS (sCMOS) camera and the charge signal is used for gain measurement and timing.
Using a baseline Ar–CF$_{4}$ mixture (95:5), we characterize the electron-transport properties; we then map the performance of different amplification configurations by measuring charge gain and photon yield from electroluminescence in a discharge-free regime.
With a single-step parallel-mesh multiplier we obtain a maximum stable charge gain of $\sim$ 3×10$^3$ for 5.49 MeV α and an emitted photon yield of $\sim$ 1.2 photons per avalanche electron (over 4π at the amplification stage).
With a light-enhancing two-step parallel-mesh multiplier, we demonstrate sCMOS-based 3D reconstruction of α tracks.
These studies establish baseline performance and inform the scaling to a beamline-ready multi-purpose OTPC for neutron-induced reaction studies at SARAF-II.
We summarize the current design/commissioning status of this upcoming detector, together with simulations for background assessment and for initial studies with a neutron source.
| Position | Postdoctoral researcher |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | Weizmann Institute of Science |
| Country | Israel |
