Speaker
Description
The main goal of FOOT is to measure double differential fragmentation cross sections of light elements (Z $\le$ 10) in the energy range of 100–1000 MeV/nucleon, of interest both in medical and space-related fields. Particle Therapy is a medical treatment that uses charged particles with a tuned Bragg Peak to maximize the dose to tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Nevertheless, ion fragmentation along the beam path can alter dose distribution, making precise cross section measurements essential for accurate treatment planning. In space, cosmic rays interact with spacecraft materials, producing secondary radiation that can affect astronauts and electronics. Thus, accurate cross section measurements are crucial also for improving shielding strategies in Space Radioprotection.\
At the core of the FOOT electronic setup is a magnetic spectrometer, which combines permanent magnets with a suite of silicon detectors. These include the Vertex Detector (VTX) and Inner Tracker (IT), both employing MIMOSA-28 CMOS MAPS sensors. The VTX provides $\sim$ 5 $\mu$m spatial precision for interaction point reconstruction, while the IT extends the lever arm for accurate momentum measurement. Together, they enable robust fragment tracking, even under challenging conditions such as significant pile-up, where multiple primary particles are reconstructed within the same event.\
In this contribution, results from the 2025 CNAO data-taking campaigns about $^{12}$C 200 MeV/n beam impinging on C and C$_2$H$_4$ targets will be shown. They regard the performance of the VTX and IT during full physics running, highlighting their stable operation and confirming the reliability of the silicon tracking system under realistic beam conditions.
In addition, the first tests performed on a prototype of the new Vertex Detector based on MIMOSIS technology will be presented, illustrating its potential to operate with a faster readout and to sustain higher particle rates in future data-taking campaigns.