Welcome

Welcome to the EPP Intrumentation Group projects page. Our group collaborates with several international laboratories in experimental studies of the sub-atomic physics using x-rays and gamma-ray probes. At present, we have active collaborations with the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), MAXLAB Lund University and the Australian Synchrotron. Our emphasis is directed towards the application of techniques developed in particle physics into the wider scientific community. In particular, our abilities are high-resolution detection and ultra-high speed data acqusition.

Some of our expertise has also found application in industry and commerce. See Industrial Collaboration.

If you would like more information about the group or the projects we are working on, please contact us.

Current Projects

Automated calibration of the Pilatus Detector

Jared Winton, Bryn Sobott & Roger Rassool
All pixel detectors have minor variations in the electronics of each pixel, this leads to variations in gain over the detector. Trimming the Pilatus 2 detector is the process of adjusting the threshold of each pixel to give a uniform response to a given x-ray energy across the detector. I am developing a strategy for quickly being able to change the threshold calibration on the Pilatus 2M detector. This will allow end-users to easily select low-level discrimminators for a given energy and a per-pixel basis. This technique will provide improved flat-field response across all detector elements.

PII-Spect

Vivien Lee, Christian Broenimann Roger Rassool & Graeme O'Keefe
The current Pilatus detector has a useable range of sensitivity from 3-30 keV for x-rays. This project is investigating alternative sensors for use with the the PII Chip to extend this range. Part of the work involves modelling the dector in Geant4. Ultimately, we aim to develop a version of Pilatus suitable for small-animal SPECT and other medical applications.

Pixel Characterisation and Modelling

Bryn Sobott, Roger Rassool & Geoff Taylor
A key feature of the Pilatus detector is that each individual pixel carries its own processing electronics. Each pixel is tiny (approx 0.172mm X 0.172mm) and communicates with the electronics via a bump bond of indium. My project is to quantify the trade-off between charge collection efficiency and noise. This involves developing a clear understanding of the performance of each stage of the electronics. At present, I am undertaking a series of detailed measurements aimed at quantifying the performance of the detector.

Fill Pattern Monitor (Australian Synchrotron)

David Peake, Mark Boland, Greg Le Blanc & Roger Rassool
Knowledge of the fill pattern profile of electrons in a synchrotron ring is extremely important, especially as more sophisticated time-resolved experiments are considered. I am developing the Fill Pattern Monitor (FPM) which reveals the real-time intensity distribution of the stored electron bunches at the Australian Synchrotron. This system uses a combination of an ultra-fast Hamamatsu G4176-03 diode and the Acqiris DC282 8 GS/s digitiser. With this we have achived real-time measurement of the fill pattern and individual bunch resolution.

NIAM - Non-Invassive Arterial Measurement (of blood flow)

Anja Schubert, Graeme O'Keefe & Roger Rassool.