Serial readout of LGAD detectors for cosmic-ray space-borne instruments

Abstract

The Pentadimensional Tracking Space Detector (PTSD) project aims to increase the Technological Readiness Level (TRL) of Low Gain Avalanche Diode (LGAD)-based Si-μstrip trackers for space applications. Originally developed for collider experiments, LGADs provide simultaneous high-precision timing (<100 ps) and spatial (∼ 10 μm) measurements, making them a promising technology for future 5D space tracking systems (position, time, and charge). A major challenge for large-area thin silicon detectors is the high input capacitance seen by the Front-End Electronics (FEE), which increases noise and this could be mitigated only by requiring additional power consumption. The PTSD project addresses this issue through dedicated capacitance-mitigation strategies based on alternative readout architectures. This paper presents the proposed approach together with the first laboratory results. This work also discusses briefly the result of a Concurrent Engineering system-level study for a CubeSat-based LGAD tracking demonstrator. A successful in-orbit validation could raise the TRL of LGAD Si-μstrip trackers to 9, enabling their immediate adoption for the use in future charged cosmic-ray and γ-ray space missions.