Hueso-Gonzalez, F., Casaña Copado, J. V., Fernandez Prieto, A., Gallas Torreira, A., Lemos Cid, E., Ros Garcia, A., et al. (2022). A dead-time-free data acquisition system for prompt gamma-ray measurements during proton therapy treatments. Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. A, 1033, 166701–9pp.
Abstract: In cancer patients undergoing proton therapy, a very intense secondary radiation is produced during the treatment, which lasts around one minute. About one billion prompt gamma-rays are emitted per second, and their detection with fast scintillation detectors is useful for monitoring a correct beam delivery. To cope with the expected count rate and pile-up, as well as the scarce statistics due to the short treatment duration, we developed an eidetic data acquisition system capable of continuously digitizing the detector signal with a high sampling rate and without any dead time. By streaming the fully unprocessed waveforms to the computer, complex pile-up decomposition algorithms can be applied and optimized offline. We describe the data acquisition architecture and the multiple experimental tests designed to verify the sustained data throughput speed and the absence of dead time. While the system is tailored for the proton therapy environment, the methodology can be deployed in any other field requiring the recording of raw waveforms at high sampling rates with zero dead time.
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Mistry, A. K. et al, Tain, J. L., Agramunt, J., Algora, A., Guadilla, V., Morales, A. I., et al. (2022). The DESPEC setup for GSI and FAIR. Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. A, 1033, 166662–18pp.
Abstract: The DEcay SPECtroscopy (DESPEC) setup for nuclear structure investigations was developed and commissioned at GSI, Germany in preparation for a full campaign of experiments at the FRS and Super-FRS. In this paper, we report on the first employment of the setup in the hybrid configuration with the AIDA implanter coupled to the FATIMA LaBr3(Ce) fast-timing array, and high-purity germanium detectors. Initial results are shown from the first experiments carried out with the setup. An overview of the setup and function is discussed, including technical advancements along the path.
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Liptak, Z. et al, & Marinas, C. (2022). Measurements of beam backgrounds in SuperKEKB Phase 2. Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. A, 1040, 167168–19pp.
Abstract: The high design luminosity of the SuperKEKB electron–positron collider will result in challenging levels of beam-induced backgrounds in the interaction region. Understanding and mitigating these backgrounds is critical to the success of the Belle II experiment. We report on the first background measurements performed after roll-in of the Belle II detector, a period known as SuperKEKB Phase 2, utilizing both the BEAST II system of dedicated background detectors and the Belle II detector itself. We also report on first revisions to the background simulation made in response to our findings. Backgrounds measured include contributions from synchrotron radiation, beam-gas, Touschek, and injection backgrounds. At the end of Phase 2, single-beam backgrounds originating from the 4 GeV positron Low Energy Ring (LER) agree reasonably well with simulation, while backgrounds from the 7 GeV electron High Energy Ring (HER) are approximately one order of magnitude higher than simulation. We extrapolate these backgrounds forward and conclude it is safe to install the Belle II vertex detector.
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