CERN's particle detector passes real-world stress test after radiation damage
Scientists have mapped how intense radiation degrades the silicon sensors inside the CMS detector at CERN's Large Hadron Collider—and found that damage patterns match theoretical predictions. The findings validate detector designs for future high-energy physics experiments and inform material choices for other radiation-heavy applications like space missions and nuclear facilities.
Originaltitel: Operation and performance of the CMS silicon strip tracker with proton-proton collisions at the CERN LHC
<p>Salient aspects of the commissioning, calibration, and performance of the CMS silicon strip tracker are discussed, drawing on experience during operation with proton-proton collisions delivered by the CERN LHC. The data were obtained with a variety of luminosities. The operating temperature of the strip tracker was changed several times during this period and results are shown as a function of temperature in several cases. Details of the system performance are presented, including occupancy, signal-to-noise ratio, Lorentz angle, and single-hit spatial resolution. Saturation effects in the APV25 readout chip preamplifier observed during early Run 2 are presented, showing the effect on various observables and the subsequent remedy. Studies of radiation effects on the strip tracker are presented both for the optical readout links and the silicon sensors. The observed effects are compared to simulation, where available, and they generally agree well with expectations.</p>