Microelectronics

The ALICE Forward Calorimeter (FoCal) is an advanced detector set to be operational in 2030 at the LHC. It consists of a highly granular silicon-tungsten electromagnetic calorimeter (FoCal-E) and a conventional hadronic calorimeter (FoCal-H). The FoCal will enable precise measurements of small-x gluon distributions through prompt photon production and enhance the study of hadronic matter dynamics

Our group is responsible for designing the readout electronics of the pixel layers of the FoCAL-E. These layers use ALPIDE sensors, which are highly granular silicon detectors, originally designed for use in the ALICE Inner Tracking System upgrade. The FoCal-E includes two pixel layers, positioned at the 5th and 10th layers within the calorimeter structure. Each pixel measures approximately 30×30 μm², allowing for precise spatial resolution and detailed tracking of particle showers.

Read more about FoCal here.

The ALICE ITS3 upgrade involves replacing the innermost layers of the current ITS2 with three cylindrical layers of Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors (MAPS) names MOSAIX. These sensors are specifically designed for the ALICE ITS3 upgrade, and employ wafer-scale technology using 65 nm CMOS imaging sensors, which are stitched together to create large, high-resolution detectors.

Key features include:

• Wafer-scale design: Enables large sensor areas with minimal material budget, enhancing tracking precision
• High fill factor: Approximately 93%, potentially increasing to 95.5% by optimizing the design
• Low power consumption: Incorporates efficient power domains and differential transmission schemes to reduce noise and power dissipation

These sensors are crucial for improving the spatial resolution and reducing the material budget in the ITS3 upgrade.

Our group joins this upgrade by assisting in the design of a MOSAIX Qualification System, that will be used to test all the sensors as they are received from the foundry. In addiation, we also participate in the FPGA design for the production readout system. So far, 4 master students have been staying longer periods at CERN to work with these tasks as part of the design teams in ITS3.

Read more about ALICE ITS3 here. 

The Bergen proton CT project aims to develop a novel device for clinical particle therapy that reconstructs 3D images of the human body using high-energy proton beams. This technology focuses on improving dose planning and verification by accurately tracking proton trajectories and energy loss, which is crucial for targeting tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

The pCT instrument which is under development is comprised of 43 layers of Monotolithic Active Pixels Sensors (MAPS), the ALPIDE. The ALPIDE was originally designed for the use of the ALICE Inner Tracking 2 upgrade, so the instrument is a good example of technology transfer from basic research to the benefit of society. 

Our group participate in designing the readout electronics and power delivery for this instrument.

Read more about the Bergen pCT project here.

The THESEUS (Transient High-Energy Sky and Early Universe Surveyor) project by ESA aims to explore the early universe and high-energy transient phenomena. Scheduled for launch in the early 2030s, THESEUS will use long Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) to investigate the first billion years of the universe, focusing on the formation of the first stars and galaxies. The mission will also enhance multi-messenger astrophysics by identifying and studying electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational wave sources.

The main focus of our group have so far been to develop a readout system intended to aid in
the construction of a complete Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) for the ORION chipset.

Read more about THESEUS here.

The SFI Smart Ocean research center aims to create a sustainable, cost-effective method for continuous ocean monitoring. Traditional methods like crewed vessels and drifting buoys are limited in scope and duration. To address this, the project is developing an autonomous underwater sensor network that operates without existing infrastructure. These sensors form a mesh network, communicating with each other to extend their range. A new underwater modem is being developed to facilitate data transmission through water and obstacles.

Our group have so far assisted in designing a proof-of-concept prototype modem specifically designed for developing underwater communications software.

Read more about SFI SmartOcean here.