M.Sc. degree
University of Bern, Switzerland 2010

Sébastien Claude Delaquis

Supervisor: Dr. Igor Kreslo

Systematic characterization of a Geiger-mode micro-pixel avalanche photo-diode for cryogenic operation and application

 Keywords:

• Time projection chambers
• Photon detectors for UV, visible and IR photons (solid-state)
• Detector design and construction technologies and materials

 Abstract:
A micro-pixel avalanche photo-diode operated in Geiger-mode (G-MAPD) has been systematically characterized at three different temperatures (298 K, 87 K, 77 K). The gain, noise-rate and cross-talk were measured. It was found that the G-MAPD is well suited as a single-photon counting device for cryogenic conditions.
In high energy physics Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) are nowadays used as particle tracking detectors. For the search of Dark Matter and neutrino interactions, low threshold TPC readout is an important issue. Having a G-MAPD working at low temperatures opens new possibilities in this field.
In the framework of this thesis, a novel prototype TPC readout-system, the hybrid-field-induced-emission-amplifier (HFIE), was partially explored for use in Argon gas. To do so a HFIE, including a dewar, a small drift-chamber, a DAQ system and the related software, was realized and operated at the Laboratory for High Energy Physics (LHEP) in Bern.