{"id":3662,"date":"2025-06-27T15:01:25","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T13:01:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aitanatop.ific.uv.es\/aitanatop\/?p=3662"},"modified":"2025-07-01T12:58:29","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T10:58:29","slug":"milestone-luxe-ecalp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aitanatop.ific.uv.es\/aitanatop\/milestone-luxe-ecalp\/","title":{"rendered":"IFIC and its international partners meet a milestone in detector instrumentation for LUXE and beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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IFIC and its international partners meet a milestone in detector instrumentation for LUXE and beyond<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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IFIC has become a leading institution for pioneering technologies and detector R&D for silicon-based high granular calorimeters for LUXE, dark matter and future lepton collider experiments<\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Accesing experimentally to uncharted quantum regimes in strong-field QED experiments<\/b><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)<\/strong><\/a> is a fundamental<\/strong> component of the Standard Model of particle physics<\/strong>,<\/span> which describes the interactions between matter and light. While QED is celebrated for its precision\u2014enabling measurements with remarkable accuracy\u2014there exists a domain where its predictions become exceedingly challenging: strong-field QED.<\/p>

When electromagnetic fields reach extreme levels that surpass the Schwinger limit, fascinating phenomena can occur<\/strong><\/span>, including the creation of electron-positron pairs from the vacuum itself. This enigmatic<\/strong> regime<\/strong> has been theorized for over 70 years<\/strong>, but only<\/strong> recent<\/strong> advancements<\/strong> in laser technology are making experimental exploration possible.<\/strong>
Enabling the experimental study of this regime will open up scrutiny of the quantum realm in regimes that have never been explored<\/strong> and where our tools for calculating phenomena are no longer valid. The experimental study of strong-field QED could very well ignite a revolution<\/strong><\/span> in both particle<\/strong> physics<\/strong> <\/span>and our comprehension of the cosmos!<\/p>

In 2022, the IFIC<\/strong> joined the LUXE<\/strong> experiment<\/a><\/span><\/span>\u2014an ambitious project set to take place at the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) in Germany. By utilizing a high-energy electron beam alongside a powerful laser, LUXE aims to investigate the frontier of strong-field QED. This groundbreaking<\/strong> venture<\/strong> promises not only to deepen our understanding of particle interactions but also to potentially unveil new physics beyond the Standard Model. Moreover, profiting from the strong-field QED phenomena produced in the interaction point of LUXE, which provides very intense and high-energy photon beams, it also<\/strong> aims<\/strong> to discover elusive particles that could provide insight into dark matter<\/strong> feebly interacting with photons, potentially unlocking some of the universe’s mysteries. With a collaboration of approximately one hundred scientists from across Europe, LUXE stands on the brink of discovery!<\/span><\/p>

One unique aspect of LUXE is its exploration of the non-linear Breit\u2013Wheeler process,<\/strong> which enables the production of electron-positron pairs from photon interactions. This phenomenon is not only fascinating but also presents a significant experimental challenge. As the energy of the incoming photons increases, detecting these events requires advanced detector technologies. In particular, calorimeter systems are crucial to the LUXE physics program, playing a pivotal role<\/strong> <\/a>in detecting and analyzing particles such as positrons and electrons. These systems are specifically designed to meet high demands for precision, featuring high granularity for excellent position resolution and a small Moli\u00e8re radius to enhance spatial resolution and superior energy resolution. The combination of these characteristics is crucial for measuring energy spectra and the positions of individual showers created by particle interactions.<\/p>

For LUXE, two electromagnetic calorimeter systems, known as ECAL-E (for electrons) and ECAL-P (for positrons)<\/strong>, have been developed. These specialized systems provide detailed event-by-event reconstruction, essential for understanding phenomena with low to moderate particle multiplicities. However, challenges arise when multiplicities reach around 100 per event, leading to overlapping showers that complicate data interpretation and analysis.<\/p>

Efficient background suppression and precise signal reconstruction are vital to overcoming these challenges. Strategies include optimal shielding, innovative chamber designs, and the use of highly granular sandwich calorimeters composed of semiconductor sensors and tungsten layers<\/strong><\/span><\/a>. The high granularity enables scientists to distinguish between overlapping showers, allowing them to extract valuable insights from each experiment.<\/p>

In conclusion, although LUXE<\/strong><\/span> faces significant challenges in particle detection, the integration of cutting-edge calorimeter systems holds the key to unlocking exciting discoveries in high-energy physics, ultimately expanding our understanding of the universe.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Artistic(?) portrayal of non-linear Breit-Wheeler processes at LUXE. Image performed by ChatGPT.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Experimental challenges for LUXE detectors: the role of IFIC and the High Granular and compact silicon calorimetry<\/b><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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One standout contribution to the instrumentation of LUXE comes from the IFIC research team in Spain<\/strong>, which is making significant progress<\/strong> on two groundbreaking projects: the ECAL-E and ECAL-P calorimeters<\/strong>. In particular, the IFIC team led by Adri\u00e1n Irles<\/strong>, member of the AITANA group, is spearheading the international<\/strong> effort<\/strong> for research and development on sensor hybridization and assembly for the two calorimeters to be used in LUXE. This effort on advanced silicon calorimeters is also driving the R&D<\/a> for future experiments at Lepton Colliders (Higgs Factories) and detector proposals for Dark Matter Experiments<\/a><\/strong><\/span> (Lohengrin<\/a>, LUXE-NPOD,<\/a> etc.).<\/p>

The ECAL-E, based on SiW-ECAL technology,<\/a><\/strong> is designed to integrate seamlessly within the calorimetric system of future lepton colliders, incorporating both electromagnetic and hadronic sections. What sets the ECAL-E apart is its ability to leverage high granularity and integrated readout technologies aimed at maximizing the efficacy of Particle Flow techniques\u2014an essential factor for high-energy physics experiments. This innovative detector boasts lateral and longitudinal density levels that are 2 to 4 times greater than those of the CMS HGCAL, which is currently under construction for the LHC upgrade. This exceptional density enables precise tracking and measurement of particle interactions, positioning LUXE at the forefront of research in this exciting field. The ECAL-E team comprises groups from CERN, France (IJCLab, LLR-Ecole Polytechnique), Germany (DMLab), Japan (University of Tokyo), South Africa (NRF), South Korea (SKK University), and Spain (IFIC CSIC\/UV).<\/p>

The development of the ECAL-P calorimeter<\/strong><\/a> is particularly noteworthy. Based on the LumiCal design, it aims to push the envelope of compactness to suit the stringent spatial constraints<\/strong> of forward detector regions at Future Colliders. Here, the ingenuity of the IFIC team shines through as they work to minimize auxiliary components, focusing on reducing bonding material while ensuring robust performance<\/strong>. In a remarkable achievement, the IFIC has successfully<\/span> <\/strong>produced 20 Compact Silicon Sandwiches (CSIS), crucial to the ECAL-P prototype, which was recently tested in an electron beam at DESY. With a thickness of just 5.6 cm and a depth of 12 radiation lengths (X\u2080), this prototype stands as the most compact granular calorimeter built to date\u2014a game changer for the LUXE experiment and future calorimetry endeavors across European projects. The ECAL-P team comprises groups from Germany (DESY), Israel (Tel Aviv University and Weizmann Institute), Poland (Warsaw and Krakow AGH Universities), Romania (Bucharest ISS), and Spain (IFIC).<\/p>

The advancements made in the hybridization techniques for both calorimeters underscore the leading role of IFIC in the field<\/strong> <\/span>under the guidance of A. Irles. The team collaboration has not only achieved substantial technical milestones but also laid the groundwork for future research and development within the broader DRD6 collaboration of CERN<\/strong>. These innovations promise to enhance our understanding of fundamental physics and contribute to the development of next-generation particle detection technologies.<\/p>

As we look toward the future, the work being done with silicon-based electromagnetic calorimeters not only confirms the dedication of the IFIC team but also sparks excitement<\/strong> for the potential discoveries that lie ahead in the quest to unravel the universe’s mysteries.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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From the conceptual idea to the realization <\/b><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Accelerated view of the process of silver-epoxy based bonding solutions<\/strong> for highly compact calorimeter systems. This solution, inspired by the CALICE<\/strong> collaboration solution for the SiW-ECAL, has been developed by the AITANA group at IFIC<\/strong>. This is performed in the TARDIS-Lab<\/strong> of IFIC, which has become the production and integration hub of calorimeters for LUXE<\/strong>.<\/p>

\u00a9 A. Irles<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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With a focus on creating cutting-edge solutions for the assembly<\/strong> of silicon<\/strong> sensor pads in highly integrated or compact (or both!) calorimeter<\/strong> readout systems , we are not just assembling components; we are building the future of high-granularity calorimetry.<\/strong> Our work spans the construction<\/strong> of detectors<\/strong> for the LUXE<\/strong> experiment and R&D<\/strong> activities on silicon calorimetry projects with the DRD6<\/strong> Collaboration, showcasing our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge.<\/p>

Over the past five years<\/strong>, our team has been working on bringing new expertise and research lines to IFIC<\/strong>, first bringing fresh expertise on detector instrumentation in an area never explored by IFIC<\/strong> (high-granular calorimetry) and later by positioning IFIC and Spain a<\/strong>s prominent participant in the LUXE<\/strong> experiment, which aims to open a new field of experimentation and our understanding of the quantum world. This has positioned IFIC as a leading institute in silicon sensor for calorimetry R&D oriented to experiments with lepton beams globally. A standout feature of our advancement is our new clean room<\/strong>\u2014 a.k.a.TARDIS-Lab \u2014compliant with ISO7 standards. It provides a highly clean environment (compatible with ISO5 on small-size particle content) for characterizing, testing, and hybridizing silicon sensors with innovative silver-based epoxy solutions<\/strong>. The meticulousness of our work is crucial as we prepare to unveil groundbreaking technologies for future lepton colliders and other experiments.<\/strong><\/p>

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The \u00abSala Limpia de Futuros Colisionadores\u00bb from IFIC Lab133 high performance can only be explained if it is \u00abbigger on the inside\u00bb<\/figcaption><\/figure>

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One of our most exciting<\/strong> initiatives<\/strong> is our collaboration with international<\/strong> partners in an intensive campaign to produce Compact Silicon Sandwich<\/strong> (CSIS) modules for the LUXE ECAL-P<\/strong>. These sophisticated modules are composed of single 90x90x0.32mm\u00b3 PiN silicon sensors, expertly designed to connect to specialized readout ASICs. The intricate interplay of technology is reinforced with precision-engineered carbon-fiber film, providing the mechanical integrity needed for our ambitious designs. The challenges of stringent mechanical requirements have pushed our creativity and forced us to develop new skills in mechanical integration.<\/p>

On June 9, 2025,<\/strong> together with our international partners of the ECAL-P for LUXE (Tel Aviv University, DESY, AGH Krakow University, Warsaw University, ISS of Bucharest)<\/strong> we proceeded to the assembly of the first ECAL-P prototype at DESY.<\/strong> Together, we unveiled the most compact calorimeter based on silicon sensors to date, achieving a remarkable 12 radiation lengths tower of 3.5mm thick (1 X_0) tungsten layers interleaved by 1.2mm gaps where the CSIS are hosted.\u00a0 Over an intense week and a half, our detector captured hundreds of millions of beam events<\/strong>, operating at remarkable trigger rates and data-taking capacities: recording up to 2.5kHz triggers, data throughput between ASICs and integrator FPGAs of 0.9Tbps, and data transfer to the DAQ computers of about 2Gbps.<\/p>

All events were recorded in synchronization with the latest ALPIDE telescope at DESY, utilizing state-of-the-art technologies<\/strong> (AIDA TLU, EUDAQ2, Corryvreckan) to make possible a smooth and straightforward online event reconstruction. The data collected<\/strong>\u2014over 40 terabytes\u2014provides a treasure trove of information that will illuminate the path for future developments and the deep understanding of electromagnetic showers photographed by our detectors<\/strong>. It will also pave the road for the instrumentation of the LUXE experiment.<\/p>

As we move forward, the journey of the IFIC group<\/strong> is not just about the technology we create, but also about the questions we aim to answer.<\/strong> With each milestone reached, we contribute to a greater<\/strong> understanding<\/strong> of the fundamental<\/strong> forces<\/strong> that shape our universe.<\/p>

At IFIC, this has been a long-standing effort,<\/strong> not without its stumbles, that bore fruit this year with this milestone (the first of many).<\/strong> This achievement would not have been possible without the enthusiastic<\/strong> and generous<\/strong> efforts this year and in past years<\/strong> of Melissa (PhD), C\u00e9sar (Eng.), Roberto (TFG), Shan (postdoc), Jes\u00fas (PhD in March), Ferr\u00e1n (TFM), Carlos (Eng.) and Josep (TFM)<\/strong><\/span><\/span>, as well as the full support of the AITANA group at IFIC<\/span><\/strong>. Of course, the support of the mechanics service<\/span> (key on the ptototyping and precision mechanics studies), the electronics service<\/span> (key on the installation and debugging of sensor characterization and handling tools), the informatic service<\/span> (thanks to the support given in space and computing resources at gluon, which will be used intensively now that we have the data!), and the management\/maintenance departements<\/span> (which make possible almost everything else… which is the majority!).<\/p>

Together with our international partners, IFIC strives to inspire the next generation of researchers who will continue this remarkable journey.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p><\/div>

A. Irles,\u00a0<\/em> leader of the\u00a0 LUXE-DRD6\u00a0 group of IFIC<\/em><\/p>

and deputy coordinator of the DRD6-WP1<\/em><\/p>

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\"Two
Two Compact Silicon Sandwiches (CSIS) assembled at IFIC and transported to DESY in 3D printed cases.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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A Compact Silicon Sandwiches (CSIS) assembled at IFIC and transported to DESY in 3D printed cases.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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View of one Compact SIlicon Sadwich (CSIS) connected to the Fron End Board with FLAME ASICS (hidden behind the black plastic cover, which was replaced by Aluminim cover)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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Revision of connectivity between sensors and Front End Boards<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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A set of the final front-end-boards and sensors assembled and ready for installation<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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The set of FPGAs and boards used for the control and acquisition of the data. The data thoughput was of XXX \/s<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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Measurement, on site, of the thicknes of the tungsten plate. These plates have dimensions of 540mmx100mmx3.5mm and a planarity requirement on the surface of 50um or better.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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The detector housing with the 12 T-Frames (support for electronics and sensors) installed. The full stack is manufactured in DURAL, by the Warsaw University. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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The detector housing with the 12 T-Frames (support for electronics and sensors) installed. The full stack is manufactured in DURAL, by the Warsaw University. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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The detector housing with the 12 T-Frames (support for electronics and sensors) installed. The full stack is manufactured in DURAL, by the Warsaw University. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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Detail of installation actions<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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View of the ALPIDE telescope installed in TB24 in DESY. This teslescope is still under development and our group was the first external group to use it in this beam line.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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Detail of installation actions<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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Detail of the firsts installed set of electronics and sensor in the detector housing.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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Detail of installation actions<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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Detail of the firsts installed set of electronics and sensor in the detector housing.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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Detail of the ECAL-p partially instrumented<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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Detail of the ECAL-p partially instrumented<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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Detail of the ECAL-p partially instrumented<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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Detail of the ECAL-p partially instrumented<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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Detail of the ECAL-p partially instrumented<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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Detail of the ECAL-p partially instrumented<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
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Groupp photo of the TB crew during first week of installation and data taking.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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