A key development in charged-particle decay studies was the commissioning of a new, advanced detector array. Our innovative Super High Energy Wavefront Array is outfitted with detectors like no other. It is intended to broaden experimental investigations of rare decay modes, such as β-delayed two-proton emission. The research team, dedicated to exploring exotic nuclei, announced their findings in a recent publication in the journal Nuclear Science and Techniques.
The newly developed detector array includes various components crucial for high-precision measurements. It is made up of plastic scintillator detectors, quadrant silicon detectors (QSD), double-sided silicon detectors (DSSD) and high purity germanium (HPGe) detectors. Combined, these various components form a deeply granular detection system with the ability to capture the finest of details in highly complex charged-particle decay events.
High Sensitivity and Low Detection Threshold
The detector array has an extraordinary low detection threshold. It can go down to at least ~500 keV for protons. This incredible sensitivity allows researchers to find the most subtle signals even from the most exotic decay processes. It’s building the world’s most powerful silicon-based particle tracker — an array that’s particularly good at investigating rare decay modes. This becomes particularly apparent for isotopes lying on and beyond the proton drip line.
The high granularity of the detector array allows for detailed spatial localization of decay events. This precision even aids in the study of detailed processes such as β-delayed proton emission, α decay, and direct proton radioactivity. By studying rare decays scientists are able to get important insights. Their research contributes to understanding the mechanism behind the behavior and stability of exotic nuclei.
Advanced Digital Data Acquisition System
The detector array is outfitted with a cutting edge digital data acquisition system that expands the possible operational features of the system. This system achieves an extremely high sampling rate of 250 MHz. Its design allows for very quick data collection, which is important to catching the ephemeral particles as they quickly decay. Additional stand-out traits include a super high-precision 14-bit resolution digital readout system. This extreme precision ensures that all measurable fluctuations in signal strength, no matter how small, are captured.
This wide-field, high-speed detector array features high spatial resolution combined with high-speed data acquisition. This amazing 4D-imaging tool is going to change how nuclear physicists work! The access to real-time data analysis allows for instant feedback while experimenting. This enables researchers to develop targeted strategy for the subsequent experimental conditions.
Future Developments at HIAF
Looking ahead, the research team has ambitious plans to upgrade the detector array into a comprehensive platform within the High-Intensity Heavy-Ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF). This new and improved feature will now allow researchers to run more advanced experiments and analyses. Importantly, it will explore the frontiers of our understanding of nuclear physics.
By incorporating this state-of-the-art detector array into HIAF, researchers hope to take a much deeper look at exotic nuclei and their decay mechanisms. We hope this new initiative will unlock some compelling new discoveries. These results could significantly improve our understanding of nuclear stability and the underlying mechanisms of rare decay processes.