In the realm of nuclear physics, the study of exotic nuclei, particularly those near and beyond the proton drip line, has gained remarkable significance. These nuclei exhibit an array of rare and complex decay phenomena, including β-delayed proton emission, α decay, and direct proton radioactivity, processes that unveil critical insights into the fundamental forces within the atomic nucleus. However, investigating these fleeting and scarce decay events poses substantial technical challenges, necessitating the development of highly sensitive and precise detection systems. Addressing this, a cutting-edge detector array integrated with a digital data acquisition system has been engineered, promising to revolutionize research on charged-particle decays and open new frontiers in nuclear science.
This advanced detection platform is characterized by a sophisticated assembly of plastic scintillator detectors, quadrant silicon detectors (QSD), double-sided silicon detectors (DSSD), and high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors. The combination of these components creates an exceptionally versatile and efficient array suited for capturing not only charged particles but also coincident γ-rays emitted during nuclear decay processes. At the core of this setup lies a state-of-the-art digital readout system operating at an impressive 250 MHz sampling frequency with a 14-bit resolution, enabling unparalleled signal clarity and fidelity.
The adoption of waveform digitization technology marks a significant leap forward in detection capability. By converting analog signals from the detectors into digital waveforms with high temporal resolution, it becomes feasible to analyze energy deposition, timing, and spatial localization of decay events concurrently. This multi-parametric data acquisition facilitates detailed reconstruction of decay trajectories and the simultaneous measurement of correlated γ-rays, crucial for unraveling the internal structure and decay pathways of exotic nuclei with extreme precision.
One of the paramount advantages of this digital system lies in its real-time waveform processing and the configurability of its trigger logic. These features enable the selective capture and reconstruction of decay sequences from short-lived nuclear states, which are often too transient for conventional setups. Sophisticated pulse-shape discrimination algorithms further enhance this capability by differentiating charged particles such as protons and α particles based on subtle variations in their signal waveforms. This differentiation is essential for accurate event classification in complex decay scenarios and substantially reduces background noise and false detections.
In comparison to traditional analog data acquisition systems, this digital solution delivers a remarkable enhancement in data acquisition efficiency and measurement precision. High-speed sampling combined with precise quantization improves energy resolution and timing accuracy, while the flexibility inherent to digital processing allows for dynamic adjustment of analysis parameters during experiments. Such adaptability not only saves valuable beam time but also facilitates novel explorations of nuclear decay phenomena that were previously inaccessible.
To rigorously test and validate the performance of the detector array, experiments were conducted using proton-rich isotopes such as argon-32 (^32Ar) and its neighboring isotones within the Radioactive Ion Beam Line at the Heavy Ion Research Facility in Lanzhou (HIRFL). These investigations successfully captured β-decay branches characteristic of ^32Ar, demonstrating the system’s ability to resolve fine spectral features and intricate decay modes. The clarity and precision of the data provide vital input for refining nuclear structure models and understanding proton-emission mechanisms in exotic systems.
The detector array’s exceptionally low detection threshold, reaching down to approximately 500 keV for protons, empowers research into rare decay processes like β-delayed two-proton emission, a phenomenon of great interest for both nuclear structure and astrophysical nucleosynthesis studies. Its high granularity further ensures that spatially correlated decay events can be mapped with confidence, enhancing the fidelity of experimental observations and facilitating the exploration of multi-particle emission dynamics.
Looking ahead, there are ambitious plans to upgrade this detection technology into a comprehensive platform at the High-Intensity heavy-ion Accelerator Facility (HIAF). Such an enhancement will magnify the system’s sensitivity and versatility, enabling groundbreaking investigations into superheavy nuclei decay properties, the structure of nuclei at the limits of stability, and measurements critical to nuclear astrophysics. By integrating this system with high-intensity ion beams and complementary detector technologies, researchers anticipate probing phenomena that challenge current theoretical paradigms and potentially discovering new modes of nuclear decay.
Beyond its immediate scientific objectives, the development of this detector array embodies a broader trend toward leveraging digital signal processing and real-time data analytics in experimental nuclear physics. The capacity to tailor digital algorithms on-the-fly, coupled with the immense data throughput achievable, positions this technology as a blueprint for future detection systems that require both high resolution and operational flexibility.
Moreover, the insights gained from these experiments have implications extending to applied physics domains, including radiation detection, nuclear medicine, and materials science. Understanding the behavior of exotic nuclear decay can improve isotope production technologies and inform the design of detection instruments sensitive to rare or low-energy nuclear signals. The multidisciplinary impact of such advancements underscores the vital role of enhanced instrumentation in driving fundamental and applied research forward.
This pioneering work has been extensively documented in the journal Nuclear Science and Techniques, where detailed methodologies and results are presented. The complete study is accessible through the DOI: 10.1007/s41365-025-01667-7, offering a valuable resource for researchers and technologists aiming to replicate or build upon this novel detection system. The collaboration’s breakthrough exemplifies how combining advanced detector materials, digital electronics, and sophisticated data analysis can overcome longstanding barriers in nuclear physics experimentation.
In conclusion, the newly developed detector array with integrated digital data acquisition marks a significant milestone in the study of charged-particle decays from exotic nuclei. It enhances our ability to observe and characterize rare nuclear processes with unprecedented accuracy, thus enriching our understanding of nuclear forces and structure. With future upgrades planned, this technology stands poised to drive nuclear research into uncharted territories, facilitating discoveries that could reshape theoretical frameworks and inform a wide spectrum of scientific disciplines.
Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: Detector array with digital data acquisition system for charged-particle decay studies
News Publication Date: 12-Mar-2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s41365-025-01667-7
References: DOI: 10.1007/s41365-025-01667-7
Image Credits: Xin-Xing Xu
Keywords
Signal processing, Astrophysical processes, Emission detectors, Astroparticle physics, Radioactive decay
