3D printing of micro-patterned gaseous detectors: a route for sensor adaptability and optimisation

• Grant number: 19/07426-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: November 01, 2019
• End date: October 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Nuclear Physics
• Agreement: University of Birmingham ; University of Nottingham
• Principal Investigator: Tiago Fiorini da Silva
• Grantee: Tiago Fiorini da Silva
• Principal researcher abroad: Gustavo Ferraz Trindade
• Institution abroad: University of Nottingham, University Park, England
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Clive Roberts ; Marcelo Gameiro Munhoz ; Marco Bregant ; Richard Hague ; Yinfeng He

Abstract

We propose an alternative route to the conventional production of Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) type detectors used in nuclear and particle physics for radiation detection. Currently such detectors, as used at CERN for example, are produced by lithography and chemical etching. Such a method limits geometric variations of the devices and is relatively slow in the production of modified designs. We propose that multi-material 3D printing via material jetting offers a new, rapid and adaptable manufacture method of the required hybrid organic-inorganic layer structure. The proposal is based on advanced methods for 3D printing, in which the University of Nottingham has a record of developing printers and formulations suitable for this purpose alongside an advanced suite of material analysis instrumentation to characterise the interfaces of the materials. This research project has the potential to generate disruptive impact on High Energy Physics experiments and facilities that will benefit from novel/improved designs of GEMS. (AU)