Abstract Charge identification is a challenging task in space-based cosmic-ray (CR) experiments. This is due to the wide dynamic range required to identify CR elements, including heavy nuclei. Additionally, back-scattered radiation from the calorimeter degrades the charge resolution when it hits the same detector element traversed by the cosmic ray, hindering a correct identification of the cosmic nucleus. This issue will be particularly relevant for future experiments aimed at exploring the highest energy part of the CR spectrum, as the amount of back-scattering increases with particle energy. To address these challenges, the ADA₅D project, funded by the Italian National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), is developing an innovative detector, based on arrays of Low Gain Avalanche Diode (LGAD) pixels. It is designed to be capable of simultaneously measuring position, charge (with a very wide dynamic range, up to Z ∼ 40), and timing, with sub-nanosecond resolution. It uses a scalable technology suitable for covering wide areas (∼m 2) with low power consumption, making it ideal for space experiments. This paper reports the first beam test results of the LGADs and front-end electronics being developed for the ADA₅D project. The test was carried out at the CERN-SPS North Area facility, during the 2024 winter campaign with Pb ions. The beam test setup included a controlled environment where the prototypes were exposed to high-energy Pb fragment beams. The performance of the detector and of the front-end electronics was evaluated in terms of signal response and timing resolution. Preliminary results show promising performance, with the ADA₅D chip demonstrating stable operation under high-rate conditions.
Brogi et al. (Fri,) studied this question.
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