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Instruments, Volume 7, Issue 3 (September 2023) – 11 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Microwave transducers, commonly used in gas sensing and microfluidics, can be efficiently fabricated using inkjet printing technology due to its precise patterning capabilities. This study investigated the temperature-sensitive electrical properties of an inkjet-printed interdigitated capacitor (IDC) at temperatures as low as 20 K. The IDC reflection coefficient was measured with a vector network analyzer in a cryogenic setup and then converted to its admittance. The data showed that as the temperature decreased, the IDC resonant frequency shifted upward and its quality factor increased. These findings are crucial for improving the design and performance of inkjet-printed microwave transducers in critical environment and sensing applications. View this paper
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7 pages, 809 KiB  
Communication
Demonstration of Autonomous Emittance Characterization at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator
by Ryan Roussel, Dylan Kennedy, Auralee Edelen, Seongyeol Kim, Eric Wisniewski and John Power
Instruments 2023, 7(3), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments7030029 - 20 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1293
Abstract
Transverse beam emittance plays a key role in the performance of high-brightness accelerators. Characterizing beam emittance is often carried out using a quadrupole scan, which fits beam matrix elements to experimental measurements using first-order beam dynamics. Despite its simplicity at face value, this [...] Read more.
Transverse beam emittance plays a key role in the performance of high-brightness accelerators. Characterizing beam emittance is often carried out using a quadrupole scan, which fits beam matrix elements to experimental measurements using first-order beam dynamics. Despite its simplicity at face value, this procedure is difficult to automate due to practical limitations. Key issues that must be addressed include maintaining beam size measurement validity by keeping beams within the radius of diagnostic screens, ensuring that measurement fitting produces physically valid results, and accurately characterizing emittance uncertainty. We describe a demonstration of the Bayesian exploration technique towards solving this problem at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator, enabling a turn-key, autonomous quadrupole scan tool that can be used to quickly measure beam emittances at various locations in accelerators with limited operator input. Full article
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17 pages, 4756 KiB  
Article
Response of G-NUMEN LaBr3(Ce) Detectors to High Counting Rates
by Elisa Maria Gandolfo, José Roberto Brandao Oliveira, Luigi Campajola, Dimitra Pierroutsakou, Alfonso Boiano, Clementina Agodi, Francesco Cappuzzello, Diana Carbone, Manuela Cavallaro, Irene Ciraldo, Daniela Calvo, Franck Delaunay, Canel Eke, Fabio Longhitano, Nilberto Medina, Mauricio Moralles, Diego Sartirana, Vijay Raj Sharma, Alessandro Spatafora, Dennis Toufen and Paolo Finocchiaroadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Instruments 2023, 7(3), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments7030028 - 16 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1553
Abstract
The G-NUMEN array is the future gamma spectrometer of the NUMEN experiment (nuclear matrix element for neutrinoless double beta decay), to be installed around the object point of the MAGNEX magnetic spectrometer at the INFN-LNS laboratory. This project aims to explore double-charge exchange [...] Read more.
The G-NUMEN array is the future gamma spectrometer of the NUMEN experiment (nuclear matrix element for neutrinoless double beta decay), to be installed around the object point of the MAGNEX magnetic spectrometer at the INFN-LNS laboratory. This project aims to explore double-charge exchange (DCE) reactions in order to obtain crucial information about neutrinoless double beta decay (0νββ). The primary objective of the G-NUMEN array is to detect the gamma rays emitted from the de-excitation of the excited states that are populated via DCE reactions with a good energy resolution and detection efficiency, amidst a background composed of the transitions from competing reaction channels with far higher cross sections. To achieve this, G-NUMEN signals will be processed in coincidence with those generated by the detection of reaction ejectiles by the MAGNEX focal plane detector (FPD). Under the expected experimental conditions, G-NUMEN detectors will operate at high counting rates, of the order of hundreds of kHz per detector, while maintaining excellent energy and timing resolutions. The complete array will consist of over 100 LaBr3(Ce) scintillators. Initial tests were conducted on the first detectors of the array, allowing for the determination of their performance at high rates. Full article
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10 pages, 1881 KiB  
Article
Planar Bragg Reflectors for Frequency-Tunable Sub-Terahertz Gyrotrons
by Nikita A. Bylinskiy, Yuriy K. Kalynov, Valentina E. Kotomina, Nikolay Yu. Peskov, Mikhail D. Proyavin, Andrei V. Savilov, Dmitry D. Sobolev, Alexander A. Vikharev and Vladislav Yu. Zaslavsky
Instruments 2023, 7(3), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments7030027 - 15 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1195
Abstract
A novel concept of a frequency-tuned sub-terahertz gyrotron based on a combination of an irregular low-frequency resonator and an external reflector has been proposed recently. A simulation was carried out for a fundamental-cyclotron-harmonic gyrotron that demonstrates the possibility of achieving high (10–30%) efficiencies [...] Read more.
A novel concept of a frequency-tuned sub-terahertz gyrotron based on a combination of an irregular low-frequency resonator and an external reflector has been proposed recently. A simulation was carried out for a fundamental-cyclotron-harmonic gyrotron that demonstrates the possibility of achieving high (10–30%) efficiencies in a wide (~10%) frequency range. A possible solution to the problem of narrow-band frequency-tunable external reflectors in the form of so-called modified planar Bragg structures is discussed. The manufacturing of such structures on the basis of a novel additive technology based on photopolymer 3D printing, as well as the results of “cold” experiments of the manufactured samples, are described in the paper. Full article
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16 pages, 4202 KiB  
Article
A Novel, Rapid Response Renewable Biopolymer Neutron and Gamma Radiation Solid-State Detector for Dosimetry and Nuclear Reactor Flux-Power Mapping
by Wen Jiang, True Miller, Troy Barlow, Nathan Boyle and Rusi P. Taleyarkhan
Instruments 2023, 7(3), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments7030026 - 12 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1311
Abstract
A novel solid-state neutron and gamma radiation monitor-dosimeter based on biopolymer polylactic acid (PLA) is presented. The resulting detector (PLAD) technology takes advantage of property changes of the renewable PLA resin when subject to ionizing nuclear radiation. A simple yet rapid and accurate [...] Read more.
A novel solid-state neutron and gamma radiation monitor-dosimeter based on biopolymer polylactic acid (PLA) is presented. The resulting detector (PLAD) technology takes advantage of property changes of the renewable PLA resin when subject to ionizing nuclear radiation. A simple yet rapid and accurate (±10%) low-cost (<$0.01/detector) mass loss upon dissolution (MLD) technique was successfully developed; MLD is based on a simple mass balance for discerning neutron and/or gamma doses using small (40 mg, ~4 mm diameter) ultra-low-cost (<$0.01) resin beads via dissolution in acetone. The GammaCellTM Co-60 irradiator, and the PUR-1 12 kW fission nuclear research reactor were utilized, respectively. Irradiation absorbed doses ranged from 1 to 100 kGy. Acetone bath temperature was varied from ~40 °C to ~54 °C. Results revealed a strong dependence of MLD on acetone bath temperature between neutron and gamma photon dose components; this allowed for the unique ability of PLAD to potentially perform as both a neutron-cum-gamma or as a gamma or neutron radiation dosimeter and intensity level detector. A linear trend is found for combined neutron and gamma radiation doses from 0 to 40 kGy when dissolution is conducted above 50 °C. The important potential ability to distinguish neutron from gamma radiation fields was scoped and found to be feasible by determining MLD at 45 °C. The potential was studied for simultaneous use as an in-core neutron and gamma monitor of an operating 3 GWt light-water reactor (LWR). Scoping tests were conducted with the pre-irradiated (@ 20 °C) PLAD resin beads followed by heating to in-core LWR coolant (300 °C) conditions for ~30 s corresponding to the time to reach ~40 kGy total doses in a typical 3 GWt LWR. MLD results were unaffected, indicating the exciting and unique potential for in situ (low-cost, accurate and rapid) simultaneous mapping of neutron and gamma radiation fluxes, related dosimetry, and fission power level monitoring. Full article
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12 pages, 9389 KiB  
Article
Two-Dimensional Thomson Scattering in Laser-Produced Plasmas
by Haiping Zhang, Jessica J. Pilgram, Carmen G. Constantin, Lucas Rovige, Peter V. Heuer, Sofiya Ghazaryan, Marietta Kaloyan, Robert S. Dorst, Derek B. Schaeffer and Christoph Niemann
Instruments 2023, 7(3), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments7030025 - 6 Sep 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2086
Abstract
We present two-dimensional (2D) optical Thomson scattering measurements of electron density and temperature in laser-produced plasmas. The novel instrument directly measures ne(x,y) and Te(x,y) in two dimensions over large spatial regions [...] Read more.
We present two-dimensional (2D) optical Thomson scattering measurements of electron density and temperature in laser-produced plasmas. The novel instrument directly measures ne(x,y) and Te(x,y) in two dimensions over large spatial regions (cm2) with sub-mm spatial resolution, by automatically translating the scattering volume while the plasma is produced repeatedly by irradiating a solid target with a high-repetition-rate laser beam (10 J, ∼1012 W/cm2, 1 Hz). In this paper, we describe the design and motorized auto-alignment of the instrument and the computerized algorithm that autonomously fits the spectral distribution function to the tens-of-thousands of measured scattering spectra, and captures the transition from the collective to the non-collective regime with distance from the target. As an example, we present the first 2D scattering measurements in laser-driven shock waves in ambient nitrogen gas at a pressure of 0.13 mbar. Full article
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27 pages, 8781 KiB  
Article
Design of Monolithic Bi-Layer High-Z PAL-Si Hard X-ray CMOS Image Sensors for Quantum Efficiency Enhancement
by Eldred Lee, Kevin D. Larkin, Xin Yue, Zhehui Wang, Eric R. Fossum and Jifeng Liu
Instruments 2023, 7(3), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments7030024 - 28 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1743
Abstract
This article experimentally investigates the inception of an innovative hard X-ray photon energy attenuation layer (PAL) to advance high-energy X-ray detection (20–50 keV). A bi-layer design with a thin film high-Z PAL on the top and Si image sensor on the bottom has [...] Read more.
This article experimentally investigates the inception of an innovative hard X-ray photon energy attenuation layer (PAL) to advance high-energy X-ray detection (20–50 keV). A bi-layer design with a thin film high-Z PAL on the top and Si image sensor on the bottom has previously demon-strated quantum yield enhancement via computational methods by the principle of photon energy down conversion (PEDC), where high-energy X-ray photon energies are attenuated via inelastic scattering down to ≤10 keV, which is suitable for efficient photoelectric absorption by Si. Quantum yield enhancement has been experimentally confirmed via a preliminary demonstration using PAL-integrated Si-based CMOS image sensors (Si CIS). Furthermore, substituting the high-Z PAL with a lower-Z material—Sn—and alternatively coupling it with a conventional scintillator ma-terial—Lutetium-yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO)—have been compared to demonstrate the most prominent efficacy of monolithic integration of high-Z PAL on Si CIS to detect hard X-rays, paving the way for next-generation high-energy X-ray detection methods. Full article
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11 pages, 16333 KiB  
Article
Utilization of Additive Manufacturing for the Rapid Prototyping of C-Band Radiofrequency Loads
by Garrett Mathesen, Charlotte Wehner, Julian Merrick, Bradley Shirley, Ronald Agustsson, Robert Berry, Amirari Diego and Emilio Nanni
Instruments 2023, 7(3), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments7030023 - 23 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1638
Abstract
Additive manufacturing is a versatile technique that shows promise in providing quick and dynamic manufacturing for complex engineering problems. Research has been ongoing into the use of additive manufacturing for potential applications in radiofrequency (RF) component technologies. Here, we present a method for [...] Read more.
Additive manufacturing is a versatile technique that shows promise in providing quick and dynamic manufacturing for complex engineering problems. Research has been ongoing into the use of additive manufacturing for potential applications in radiofrequency (RF) component technologies. Here, we present a method for developing an effective prototype load produced from 316L stainless steel on a direct metal laser sintering machine. The model was tested using simulation software to verify the validity of the design. The load structure was manufactured by an online digital manufacturing company, showing the viability of using easily accessible tools to manufacture RF structures. The produced load was able to produce an S11 value of −22.8 dB at a C-band frequency of 5.712 GHz while under a vacuum. In a high-power test, the load was able to terminate a peak power of 8.1 MW. The discussion includes future applications of the present method and how it will help to improve the implementation of future accelerator concepts. Full article
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9 pages, 4740 KiB  
Article
Additive Manufacturing of an IH-Type Linac Structure from Stainless Steel and Pure Copper
by Hendrik Hähnel, Adem Ateş, Benjamin Dedić and Ulrich Ratzinger
Instruments 2023, 7(3), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments7030022 - 7 Aug 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1603
Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals has the potential to provide significant benefits for the construction of future particle accelerators. The combination of low cost manufacturing of complex geometries in combination with efficiency gains from improved linac design enabled by AM may be one [...] Read more.
Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals has the potential to provide significant benefits for the construction of future particle accelerators. The combination of low cost manufacturing of complex geometries in combination with efficiency gains from improved linac design enabled by AM may be one way towards future cost-effective green accelerator facilities. As a proof of concept, we present a high-efficiency Zeff=280 MΩ/m, 433.632 MHz IH-DTL cavity based on an AM design. In this case, the complex internal drift tube structures with internal cooling channels have been produced from 1.4404 stainless steel and from pure copper using AM. The prototype cavity, as well as stainless steel AM parts have been electroplated with copper. We present results from successful vacuum tests, low level RF measurements of the cavity, as well as the status of preparations for high-power RF tests with a 30 kW pulsed power amplifier. Full article
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12 pages, 2382 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Vector-Network-Analyzer-Based Power Sensor Calibration Method Application
by Erkan Danaci, Yusuf Bayrak, Anil Cetinkaya, Murat Arslan, Handan Sakarya, Aliye Kartal Dogan and Gulsun Tunay
Instruments 2023, 7(3), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments7030021 - 19 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1508
Abstract
Radio Frequency (RF) power sensor calibration is one of the essential measurements in RF and microwave metrology. For a reliable and accurate power sensor calibration, there are various methods, such as the substitution method, the direct comparison transfer method (DCTM), and the vector [...] Read more.
Radio Frequency (RF) power sensor calibration is one of the essential measurements in RF and microwave metrology. For a reliable and accurate power sensor calibration, there are various methods, such as the substitution method, the direct comparison transfer method (DCTM), and the vector network analyzer (VNA)-based calibration method (VBCM). The VBCM is a method that is derived from the DCTM. It is a preferred method since the VNA has a better measurement capability and has fewer connection requirements for measurement devices. In this study, the milestones and potential application errors of the VBCM are given by considering the connection mistakes, measurement faults, calculation errors, and control software coding problems. At the end of the power sensor calibration measurements with the VBCM, the model function components and the uncertainty calculation examples according to the GUM Bayesian method are also presented in this study. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of the VBCM compared to the former methods are discussed in this study. Full article
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15 pages, 3154 KiB  
Article
Inkjet-Printed Interdigitated Capacitors for Sensing Applications: Temperature-Dependent Electrical Characterization at Cryogenic Temperatures down to 20 K
by Giovanni Gugliandolo, Andrea Alimenti, Mariangela Latino, Giovanni Crupi, Kostiantyn Torokhtii, Enrico Silva and Nicola Donato
Instruments 2023, 7(3), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments7030020 - 19 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1683
Abstract
Microwave transducers are widely used for sensing applications in areas such as gas sensing and microfluidics. Inkjet printing technology has been proposed as a promising method for fabricating such devices due to its capability to produce complex patterns and geometries with high precision. [...] Read more.
Microwave transducers are widely used for sensing applications in areas such as gas sensing and microfluidics. Inkjet printing technology has been proposed as a promising method for fabricating such devices due to its capability to produce complex patterns and geometries with high precision. In this work, the temperature-dependent electrical properties of an inkjet-printed single-port interdigitated capacitor (IDC) were investigated at cryogenic temperatures down to 20 K. The IDC was designed and fabricated using inkjet printing technology, while its reflection coefficient was measured using a vector network analyzer in a cryogenic measurement setup and then transformed into the corresponding admittance. The resonant frequency and quality factor (Q-factor) of the IDC were extracted as functions of the temperature and their sensitivity was evaluated. The results showed that the resonant frequency shifted to higher frequencies as the temperature was reduced, while the Q-factor increased as the temperature decreased. The trends and observations in the temperature-dependent electrical properties of the IDC are discussed and analyzed in this paper, and are expected to be useful in future advancement of the design and optimization of inkjet-printed microwave transducers for sensing applications and cryogenic electronics. Full article
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2 pages, 1158 KiB  
Correction
Correction: Treffert et al. Towards High-Repetition-Rate Fast Neutron Sources Using Novel Enabling Technologies. Instruments 2021, 5, 38
by Franziska Treffert, Chandra B. Curry, Todd Ditmire, Griffin D. Glenn, Hernan J. Quevedo, Markus Roth, Christopher Schoenwaelder, Marc Zimmer, Siegfried H. Glenzer and Maxence Gauthier
Instruments 2023, 7(3), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/instruments7030019 - 7 Jul 2023
Viewed by 798
Abstract
In the original publication [...] Full article
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