• M. Putignano, K.-U. Kühnel
  MPI-K, Heidelberg
• M. Putignano, C.P. Welsch
  The University of Liverpool, Liverpool

Growing interest in the development of low energy projectile beams, in particular heavy ions and antiprotons, calls for new beam instrumentation to be developed to match the strict requirements on ultra-high vacuum and low beam perturbation. When it comes to transverse profile monitoring, a convenient solution for simultaneous determination of both transverse profiles is found in a neutral supersonic gas-jet target shaped into a thin curtain and the two-dimensional imaging of the gas ions created by impacting projectiles. The resolution and vacuum efficiency of this monitor is directly linked to the characteristics of the gas-jet curtain. In this contribution we describe the design of a nozzle-skimmer system to be used for the creation of the jet curtain in the first prototype of such a monitor. Using numerical fluid dynamics simulations, we present the effects resulting directly from changes in the geometry of the nozzle-skimmer system on the characteristics of the jet curtain.

• A. Intermite, M. Putignano
  MPI-K, Heidelberg
• C.P. Welsch
  The University of Liverpool, Liverpool

This contribution describes an optical fibre sensor based on the use of a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) composed of an array of Single Photon Avalanche Detectors (SPADs). This sensor will be used for the detection and localization of particle losses in accelerators by exploiting the Cerenkov Effect in optical fibres. As compared to conventional vacuum photomultipliers, the SPAD array allows for maximizing the geometrical efficiency of Cerenkov photon detection. The array can be directly integrated into the fibre end while retaining the same quantum efficiency (20%) in the wavelength range of interest. The SiPM is intrinsically very fast due to its small depletion region and extremely short Geiger-type discharge, which is in the order of a few hundreds of picoseconds. Therefore, the combined use of optical fibres and SiPMs seems a promising option for a modern Cherenkov detector featuring subnanosecond timing, insensitive to magnetic fields, capable of single photon detection and allowing for the possibility of realization in the form of a smart structure. We present the layout and operating principle of the detector, its characteristics, and outline possible fields of application.