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Development and characterization of hybrid MCP-PMT with embedded Timepix4 ASIC used as pixelated anode
Riccardo Bolzonella, Jerome Alozy, Rafael Ballabriga, Nicol\`o Vladi Biesuz, Michael Campbell, Viola Cavallini, Angelo Cotta Ramusino, Massimiliano Fiorini, Edoardo Franzoso, Marco Guarise, Xavi Llopart Cudie, Gabriele Romolini, Alessandro Saputi
https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.01886 https://arxiv.org/pdf/2602.01886 https://arxiv.org/html/2602.01886
arXiv:2602.01886v1 Announce Type: new
Abstract: We present a novel single-photon detector based on a vacuum tube incorporating a photocathode, a microchannel plate (MCP), and a Timepix4 CMOS ASIC functioning as a pixelated anode. Designed to handle photon rates up to 1 billion per second across a 7 cm$^2$ active area, the detector achieves outstanding spatial and temporal resolutions of 5-10 $\mu$m and below 50 ps r.m.s., respectively.
The Timepix4 ASIC comprises approximately 230,000 pixels, each integrating analog and digital front-end electronics. This enables data-driven acquisition and supports data transmission rates up to 160 Gb/s. External FPGA-based electronics manage both configuration and readout.
In order to test the timing performance of the Timepix4 ASIC we performed preliminary characterization of an assembly bonded to a 100 $\mu$m thick n-on-p silicon sensor using a pulsed infrared laser, which demonstrated a per-pixel timing resolution of 110 ps, with cluster-based averaging methods improving to below 50 ps.
Six prototype detectors incorporating different MCP stack configurations and end-spoiling depths were produced by Hamamatsu Photonics. We report on their characterization, including dark count rates, gain, and spatial and timing resolutions, assessed both in laboratory conditions and during a test-beam campaign at CERN's SPS facility.
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