Pion Detection Using Single Photon Avalanche Diodes

Abstract

We present the first reported use of a CMOS-compatible single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array for the detection of high-energy charged particles, specifically pions, using the Super Proton Synchrotron at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. The results confirm the detection of incident high-energy pions at 120 GeV, minimally ionizing, which complements the variety of ionizing radiation that can be detected with CMOS SPADs.

Keywords

• single photon avalanche diode
• SPAD array
• pion
• CMOS image sensor
• heavy charged particle detection
• high-energy physics