Combined Spectroscopy System Utilizing Gas Electron Multiplier and Timepix3 Technology for Laser Plasma Experiments

Year: 2023

Authors: De Leo V., Claps G., Cordella F., Cristoforetti G., Gizzi LA., Koester P., Pacella D., Tamburrino A.

Autors Affiliation: Ctr Ric ENEA Frascati, Via Enrico Fermi 45, I-00044 Frascati, Italy; Ist Nazl Fis Nucl INFN, Lab Nazl Frascati, Via Enrico Fermi 54, I-00044 Frascati, Italy; Consiglio Nazl Ric INO CNR, Intense Laser Irradiat Lab ILIL, Sede Secondaria Pisa, Ist Nazl Ott, I-56124 Pisa, Italy; Ist Nazl Fis Nucl INFN, Pisa Div, Sez Pisa, I-56127 Pisa, Italy; Sapienza Univ Roma, Dipartimento Ingn Astronaut Elettr & Energet, Via Eudossiana 18, I-00184 Rome, Italy.

Abstract: We present an innovative X-ray spectroscopy system to address the complex study of the X-ray emissions arising from laser-target interactions, where the emissions occur within extremely brief intervals from femtoseconds to nanoseconds. Our system combines a Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detector with a silicon-based Timepix3 (TPX3) detector. These detectors work in tandem, allowing for a spectroscopic radiation analysis along the same line of sight. With an active area of 10 x 10 cm2, the GEM detector allows for 1D measurements for X-ray energies (2-50 keV) by utilizing the full 10 cm gas depth. The high-energy part of the radiation beam exits through a downstream side window of the GEM without being absorbed in the gas volume. Positioned side-on at the GEM detector’s exit, the TPX3 detector, equipped with a pixelated sensor (55 mu m x 55 mu m; active area 14 mm x 14 mm), uses its full 14 mm silicon sensor to detect hard X-rays (50-500 keV) and gamma rays (0.5-10 MeV). We demonstrate the correct operation of the entire detection system and provide a detailed description of the Timepix3 detector’s calibration procedure, highlighting the suitability of the combined system to work in laser plasma facilities.

Journal/Review: CONDENSED MATTER

Volume: 8 (4)      Pages from: 98-1  to: 98-14

KeyWords: Gas Electron Multiplier detector; TimePix3 detector; X-ray spectroscopy; laser plasma experiment
DOI: 10.3390/condmat8040098

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