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LPC Physics Forum - Ana Sofia Calle Muñoz on Optimization of a Buried-Layer LGAD design based on computer-aided simulations

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https://cern.zoom.us/j/96898909340
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    • 13:00 → 14:00
      Optimization of a Buried-Layer LGAD Sensor for Direct Ionization Detection Through Parametric Design Modifications Based on Computer-Aided Semiconductor Simulations to Enhance Inter-Pixel Gain Uniformity 1h

      The High-Luminosity LHC upgrade demands silicon detectors with precise timing and radiation tolerance. Buried-Layer Low Gain Avalanche Detectors (BL-LGADs) are a promising candidate for this application, offering controlled avalanche multiplication while electrically isolating the gain layer from the readout surface. However, BL-LGADs present reduced gain in inter-pixel regions due to a weaker electric field between pixels. This nonuniformity degrades charge collection and timing performance for particles traversing those regions.

      The thesis presented optimizes BL-LGAD inter-pixel gain uniformity through parametric design modifications evaluated using computer-aided semiconductor simulations with Synopsys Sentaurus TCAD. Three systematic phases of key parameter variation were implemented, producing five optimized designs assessed through performance metrics covering electric field uniformity, charge collection, rise time, physical gain, and timing resolution. The best design combines optimized p-stop dose and energy parameters with a localized inter-pixel implant at 4% of the gain layer dose, achieving near-ideal electric field uniformity with field degradation below 0.3%. Additionally, the design increased the inter-pixel collected charge by 80% relative to the standardized BL-LGAD baseline model without modifying the central pixel response. Physical gain metrics showed near-ideal similarity between central and interpixel regions, while the inter-pixel timing jitter was reduced from 36 𝑝𝑠 to 18 𝑝𝑠 without degrading the central pixel timing response.

      The results confirm that systematic inter-pixel implant optimization can effectively recover field uniformity and charge collection in BL-LGADs, establishing a validated simulation framework for future design iterations and prototype fabrication.

      Speaker: Ana Sofia Calle Munoz (EAFIT University, Purdue University)
      Copia de LPC forum.pdf
      LPC_PhysicsForum_6Aug2026_Ana_Sofia_Calle_Munoz_Recording.mp4