In nuclear astrophysics experiments using heavy ion accelerators, unstable secondary
ions are produced and detected with implantation detectors. To validate
the position of these implantations, we developed an auxiliary detector that permits
ions to pass through and can be positioned in front of the main detector.
This auxiliary detector is constructed with a thin, 20 x 20 cm plastic scintillator,
which determines the positions of ion hits by measuring scintillation light at
various points using silicon photomultipliers. As part of the thesis, we designed
the mechanical structure of the detector along with the associated printed circuit
boards for measuring light signals, as well as a separate circuit board for processing
these signals and communicating with the user. We developed firmware
for the detector, along with user software for the computer, which includes a
graphical interface. We developed a physical model to describe the response of
individual silicon photomultipliers at various points of ion hits and calibrated it
using short flashes from a light-emitting diode (LED). We evaluated the model,
determined the measurement uncertainties, and assessed the positional accuracy.
The detector proved sufficiently accurate for validating ion hit positions and meets
the experiment’s timing requirements. To reduce uncertainty, the configuration
should be adjusted to enhance light capture.
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