Showing 1–41 of 41 results for author: Iacoangeli, F

Dark Matter Sensitivity of the CYGNO Detector with HFO-1234ze Enhanced Gas Mixtures

Authors: F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, F. M. Brunbauer, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, L. G. M. de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, A. Croce, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, E. Dane', G. Dho, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. dos Santos, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, E. Kemp, H. P. Lima Jr, G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano, D. J. G. Marques , et al. (20 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO collaboration introduces an innovative approach to direct dark matter detection, proposing a high-resolution optical Time Projection Chamber. It operates at atmospheric pressure with a He:CF$_{4}$ (60:40) gas mixture and uses a triple Gas Electron Multiplier stage for signal amplification. A key feature is its optical readout system, which captures the scintillation light produced during… ▽ More The CYGNO collaboration introduces an innovative approach to direct dark matter detection, proposing a high-resolution optical Time Projection Chamber. It operates at atmospheric pressure with a He:CF$_{4}$ (60:40) gas mixture and uses a triple Gas Electron Multiplier stage for signal amplification. A key feature is its optical readout system, which captures the scintillation light produced during the electron avalanche. This setup allows 3D event reconstruction by combining the time profile of the light detected by photomultiplier tubes with high-granularity, pixelated X-Y tracking recorded by a scientific camera. The CYGNO experiment's projected sensitivity to both spin-independent and spin-dependent interactions is competitive in the framework of directional dark matter detectors. However, incorporating a hydrogen-based gas would introduce an even lighter target, further improving the detection potential at low dark matter masses. In this work, we present the performance characterization of one of the CYGNO experiment prototypes, MANGO, operated with the standard gas mixture enriched with varying concentrations of HFO-1234ze, a gas with a promising low global warming potential. The study includes measurements of the detector charge gain and scintillation yield for each configuration. In addition, to evaluate the impact of HFO-1234ze on scintillation light quenching, the secondary scintillation spectrum was collected for each gas mixture tested. △ Less

Submitted 23 July, 2026; v1 submitted 22 July, 2026; originally announced July 2026.

Comments: Corrected abstract metadata

He-CF4-CH4 ternary mixtures as target gas for the CYGNO directional dark matter experiment

Authors: F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, L. G. M de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, A. Croce, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. dos Santos, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, H. P. Lima Jr, G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano, D. J. G. Marques, L. G. M. de Carvalho, G. Mazzitelli, P. Meloni , et al. (19 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO collaboration is advancing a high-resolution optical Time Projection Chamber (TPC) for directional dark matter searches and solar neutrino spectroscopy at LNGS. The detector uses a He-40%CF4 gas mixture at atmospheric pressure and a triple-GEM cascade for ionization signal amplification. Scintillation light from GEM electron avalanches is read out using sCMOS cameras, enabling high sensi… ▽ More The CYGNO collaboration is advancing a high-resolution optical Time Projection Chamber (TPC) for directional dark matter searches and solar neutrino spectroscopy at LNGS. The detector uses a He-40%CF4 gas mixture at atmospheric pressure and a triple-GEM cascade for ionization signal amplification. Scintillation light from GEM electron avalanches is read out using sCMOS cameras, enabling high sensitivity to interactions in the few keV range, alongside precise ionization event tracking and particle identification. This study investigates the effects of adding 3-10% methane to the He-40%CF4 mixture. Methane improves the electrical stability of the TPC, allowing for higher GEM voltages before discharge onset, which compensates for its scintillation quenching and leads to enhanced overall scintillation yield. Compared to prior studies performed with isobutane, methane demonstrates a lower quenching effect on visible and UV photons while maintaining good energy resolution. Importantly, the inclusion of methane lowers the dark matter detection threshold by providing a lighter target and extending track lengths of light nuclear recoils, thus enhancing directional discrimination. These results establish methane as a promising additive for optimizing CYGNO's performance in detecting low-mass dark matter candidates. △ Less

Submitted 31 May, 2026; originally announced June 2026.

The CYGNO experiment: a gaseous TPC with optical readout for rare events searches

Authors: F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, L. G. M de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, A. Croce, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. dos Santos, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, H. P. Lima Jr, G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano, D. J. G. Marques, G. Mazzitelli, P. Meloni, A. Messina , et al. (17 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO collaboration is developing a novel strategy for directional Dark Matter searches based on a gaseous Time Projection Chamber (TPC). The detector is optimized for the exploration of light (0.5-50 GeV) WIMPs-like particles and employs a He/CF4 gas mixture at atmospheric pressure, sensitive to both spin-dependent and spin-independent interactions. A key feature of the project is its optical… ▽ More The CYGNO collaboration is developing a novel strategy for directional Dark Matter searches based on a gaseous Time Projection Chamber (TPC). The detector is optimized for the exploration of light (0.5-50 GeV) WIMPs-like particles and employs a He/CF4 gas mixture at atmospheric pressure, sensitive to both spin-dependent and spin-independent interactions. A key feature of the project is its optical readout, which relies on photon detection rather than charge collection. In CYGNO detectors, electrons released by ionizing tracks drift toward an amplification stage of three Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs). The electron avalanches generate scintillation light that is captured by scientific CMOS (sCMOS) cameras for high-resolution two-dimensional imaging and by Photomultiplier Tubes (PMTs) that provide a precise time profile along the drift direction. This allows a 3D event reconstruction, detailed energy deposition mapping, and effective topology and head-to-tail discrimination. Building on the achievements of the 50 L prototype (LIME), which successfully operated underground at LNGS, the next step is the deployment of a 0.4 m3 demonstrator, CYGNO-04, to be completed in 2026. The demonstrator will validate scalability and confirm the advantages of the proposed technique. Recent results from LIME highlight strong progress in 3D tracking and particle identification. The current status of CYGNO-04 and its role in advancing the program will be presented as well. △ Less

Submitted 23 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Upgrade of the Trigger and Data Acquisition System for Continuous Imaging and Multi-Camera Operation in CYGNO

Authors: F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, L. G. M. de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, A. Croce, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. dos Santos, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, E. Kemp, H. P. Lima Jr, G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano, D. J. G. Marques, G. Mazzitelli, P. Meloni , et al. (19 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO experiment employs an optical readout to image particle interactions in a gaseous Time Projection Chamber (TPC), combining cameras and photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) to achieve high spatial resolution and timing information. This approach enables detailed track reconstruction but poses significant challenges for data acquisition, particularly in view of the next experimental phase, CYGNO-0… ▽ More The CYGNO experiment employs an optical readout to image particle interactions in a gaseous Time Projection Chamber (TPC), combining cameras and photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) to achieve high spatial resolution and timing information. This approach enables detailed track reconstruction but poses significant challenges for data acquisition, particularly in view of the next experimental phase, CYGNO-04, which will operate multiple cameras simultaneously. In this paper, we present an upgrade of the CYGNO Trigger and Data Acquisition (T-DAQ) system, developed starting from the LIME configuration and validated on the MANGO prototype. The upgrade introduces a continuous imaging acquisition mode, substantially reducing the camera dead time, together with an extended trigger time-tagging scheme that provides a robust global time reference for PMT signals. A synchronous multi-camera DAQ architecture is also implemented and tested, enabling coordinated operation of multiple optical sensors without a master camera. The performance of the upgraded system is validated through dedicated tests, demonstrating stable continuous acquisition, reliable time-tagging, and consistent synchronization across multiple cameras. These results establish a solid and scalable foundation for the CYGNO-04 DAQ and represent a key step toward efficient data acquisition in future large-scale optical TPC detectors. △ Less

Submitted 30 April, 2026; v1 submitted 16 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Journal ref: JINST 21 (2026) T04004

First Optical Observation of Negative Ion Drift at Surface Pressure

Authors: F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, L. G. M. de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, A. Croce, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, F. Di Giambattista, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. dos Santos, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, H. P. Lima Jr., G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano, D. J. G. Marques, G. Mazzitelli, P. Meloni , et al. (19 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We report the first observation of Negative Ion Drift (NID) at surface pressure of $900 \pm 7$ mbar at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in a He:CF$_4$:SF$_6$ mixture using an optically read out Time Projection Chamber (TPC) within the CYGNO/INITIUM project. We present the first PMT waveform analysis in the NID regime, interpreting the temporal light pattern through a model that combines track g… ▽ More We report the first observation of Negative Ion Drift (NID) at surface pressure of $900 \pm 7$ mbar at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in a He:CF$_4$:SF$_6$ mixture using an optically read out Time Projection Chamber (TPC) within the CYGNO/INITIUM project. We present the first PMT waveform analysis in the NID regime, interpreting the temporal light pattern through a model that combines track geometry and charge transport. The inferred drift velocities correspond to mobilities of O(cm$^2$ V$^{-1}$ s$^{-1}$), consistent with negative ion transport. The observed linear scaling of the time extension mean with drift distance reveals the presence of a faster minority charge carrier population in addition to the dominant SF$_6^-$ species, drifting at a $\sim$25\% higher velocity under external inputs. These results demonstrate multi-species negative ion drift operation at surface pressure in a He:CF$_4$:SF$_6$ mixture and open a concrete path toward large scale, low diffusion optical TPCs for rare event searches. △ Less

Submitted 6 March, 2026; originally announced March 2026.

Comments: 6 pages, 3 figures + Supplemental Material (9 pages, 3 figures). Submitted to Physical Review Letters

Trigger Optimization and Event Classification for Dark Matter Searches in the CYGNO Experiment Using Machine Learning

Authors: F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, L. G. M. de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, A. Croce, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. dos Santos, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, E. Kemp, H. P. Lima Jr, G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano, D. J. G. Marques, G. Mazzitelli, P. Meloni , et al. (18 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO experiment employs an optical-readout Time Projection Chamber (TPC) to search for rare low-energy interactions using finely resolved scintillation images. While the optical readout provides rich topological information, it produces large, sparse megapixel images that challenge real-time triggering, data reduction, and background discrimination. We summarize two complementary machine-le… ▽ More The CYGNO experiment employs an optical-readout Time Projection Chamber (TPC) to search for rare low-energy interactions using finely resolved scintillation images. While the optical readout provides rich topological information, it produces large, sparse megapixel images that challenge real-time triggering, data reduction, and background discrimination. We summarize two complementary machine-learning approaches developed within CYGNO. First, we present a fast and fully unsupervised strategy for online data reduction based on reconstruction-based anomaly detection. A convolutional autoencoder trained exclusively on pedestal images (i.e. frames acquired with GEM amplification disabled) learns the detector noise morphology and highlights particle-induced structures through localized reconstruction residuals, from which compact Regions of Interest (ROIs) are extracted. On real prototype data, the selected configuration retains (93.0 +/- 0.2)% of reconstructed signal intensity while discarding (97.8 +/- 0.1)% of the image area, with ~25 ms per-frame inference time on a consumer GPU. Second, we report a weakly supervised application of the Classification Without Labels (CWoLa) framework to data acquired with an Americium--Beryllium neutron source. Using only mixed AmBe and standard datasets (no event-level labels), a convolutional classifier learns to identify nuclear-recoil-like topologies. The achieved performance approaches the theoretical limit imposed by the mixture composition and isolates a high-score population with compact, approximately circular morphologies consistent with nuclear recoils. △ Less

Submitted 23 March, 2026; v1 submitted 28 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Comments: 6 pages, 1 figure. Proceedings of 14th Young Researcher Meeting (14YRM2025). Published in PoS(14YRM2025)003 (2026); updated to match published version

Journal ref: PoS(14YRM2025)003 (2026)

Simulation of the CYGNO Gaseous TPC Optical Readout

Authors: F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, L. G. M de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, A. Croce, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. dos Santos, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, E. Kemp, H. P. Lima Jr, G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano, D. J. G. Marques, G. Mazzitelli , et al. (19 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Gaseous Time Projection Chambers with Optical Readout are sensitive detectors suitable for 3D measurement of low-energy O(1 keV) particles and are proposed for detecting rare events such as Dark Matter particle interactions. The CYGNO collaboration is developing such a detector with a high spatial and energy resolution, leveraging an innovative optical readout system. A reliable simulation of the… ▽ More Gaseous Time Projection Chambers with Optical Readout are sensitive detectors suitable for 3D measurement of low-energy O(1 keV) particles and are proposed for detecting rare events such as Dark Matter particle interactions. The CYGNO collaboration is developing such a detector with a high spatial and energy resolution, leveraging an innovative optical readout system. A reliable simulation of the detector response is needed to properly assess the physics reach of this technique and to better understand the performance of the detector in the development phase. Such a simulation cannot entirely rely on existing software packages; indeed, none of the available tools is capable of properly and reliably treating the different phenomena occurring in the detector, from the primary interaction in the gas volume throughout the whole detector response model, including charge transport, light production and propagation, and the response of the optical sensors. In this paper, we present a modeling of the detector response tuned on the CYGNO Optical TPC case; a description of the method is reported together with comparisons with experimental data from the LIME prototype to demonstrate the simulation performances. △ Less

Submitted 10 May, 2026; v1 submitted 4 January, 2026; originally announced January 2026.

Fast reconstruction-based ROI triggering via anomaly detection in the CYGNO optical TPC

Authors: F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, L. G. M. de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, A. Croce, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. dos Santos, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, E. Kemp, H. P. Lima Jr., G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano, D. J. G. Marques, G. Mazzitelli, P. Meloni , et al. (19 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Optical-readout Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) produce megapixel-scale images whose fine-grained topological information is essential for rare-event searches, but whose size challenges real-time data selection. We present an unsupervised, reconstruction-based anomaly-detection strategy for fast Region-of-Interest (ROI) extraction that operates directly on minimally processed camera frames. A conv… ▽ More Optical-readout Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) produce megapixel-scale images whose fine-grained topological information is essential for rare-event searches, but whose size challenges real-time data selection. We present an unsupervised, reconstruction-based anomaly-detection strategy for fast Region-of-Interest (ROI) extraction that operates directly on minimally processed camera frames. A convolutional autoencoder trained exclusively on pedestal images learns the detector noise morphology without labels, simulation, or fine-grained calibration. Applied to standard data-taking frames, localized reconstruction residuals identify particle-induced structures, from which compact ROIs are extracted via thresholding and spatial clustering. Using real data from the CYGNO optical TPC prototype, we compare two pedestal-trained autoencoder configurations that differ only in their training objective, enabling a controlled study of its impact. The best configuration retains (93.0 +/- 0.2)% of reconstructed signal intensity while discarding (97.8 +/- 0.1)% of the image area, with an inference time of approximately 25 ms per frame on a consumer GPU. The results demonstrate that careful design of the training objective is critical for effective reconstruction-based anomaly detection and that pedestal-trained autoencoders provide a transparent and detector-agnostic baseline for online data reduction in optical TPCs. △ Less

Submitted 8 April, 2026; v1 submitted 30 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: 15 pages, 7 figures, Accepted for publication in IOP Machine Learning: Science and Technology

Journal ref: Machine Learning: Science and Technology 7 (2026) 025058

Characterization of cutting-edge CMOS Active Pixel sensors within the CYGNO Experiment

Authors: B. D. Almeida, F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, L. G. M. de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, A. Croce, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, E. Dane, G. Dho, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. Dos Santos, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, E. Kemp, H. P. Lima Jr., G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano , et al. (21 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Time Projection Chambers equipped with Gas Electron Multipliers and optical readout by scientific CMOS cameras are a promising technology for low-energy particle detection, as demonstrated by the CYGNO experiment. To help identify the optimal CYGNO detector configuration, we performed a detailed characterization of two state-of-the-art scientific CMOS sensors, focusing on dark-signal behavior acro… ▽ More Time Projection Chambers equipped with Gas Electron Multipliers and optical readout by scientific CMOS cameras are a promising technology for low-energy particle detection, as demonstrated by the CYGNO experiment. To help identify the optimal CYGNO detector configuration, we performed a detailed characterization of two state-of-the-art scientific CMOS sensors, focusing on dark-signal behavior across different exposure times and on detection sensitivity, assessed using the well-defined X-ray emissions from a 55Fe source, which reproduce the low-light conditions expected in CYGNO. CYGNO currently employs a very low-noise Hamamatsu sensor, the ORCA-Fusion, for testing and validation of its detection system. Hamamatsu has recently introduced two new sensors that may be of interest for future upgrades. The first is an improved version of the current model, the ORCA-Fusion-BT, featuring a back-illuminated design that reaches a quantum efficiency of up to 95% at 550 nm. The second is a next-generation sensor, the ORCA-Quest. Although its peak quantum efficiency is not as high as that of the Fusion-BT, it offers high sensitivity over a broader spectral range, extending into the ultraviolet region, and provides ultra-low readout noise of 0.27 electrons, about 2.6 times lower than that of the Fusion family. These two sensors therefore represent a significant opportunity to enhance the performance of scientific experiments, including those conducted by the CYGNO collaboration. This document presents a comprehensive characterization of these sensors to evaluate their relevance for experiments operating in photon-limited environments and their suitability for integration into the CYGNO detector system. △ Less

Submitted 1 December, 2025; originally announced December 2025.

Comments: 20 pages and 17 figures

Characterization of field cage and cathode for low radioactivity operation with the CYGNO experiment

Authors: F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, A. Biondi, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, L. G. M. de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, A. Croce, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, E. Danè, G. Dho, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. dos Santos, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, E. Kemp, H. P. Lima Jr, G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano , et al. (26 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Dark matter, which is considered to account for approximately the 27% of the Universe's energy-mass content, remains an open issue in modern particle physics along with its composition. The CYGNO Experiment aims to exploit an innovative approach applied to the direct detection search of low energy nuclear recoils possibly induced by cold particle-like dark matter candidates. CYGNO employs a direct… ▽ More Dark matter, which is considered to account for approximately the 27% of the Universe's energy-mass content, remains an open issue in modern particle physics along with its composition. The CYGNO Experiment aims to exploit an innovative approach applied to the direct detection search of low energy nuclear recoils possibly induced by cold particle-like dark matter candidates. CYGNO employs a directional detector based on a Time Projection Chamber (TPC) filled with a He:CF$_{4}$ gas mixture and equipped with an optical readout. Currently, the CYGNO Collaboration is constructing the detector demonstrator, CYGNO-04, in Hall F at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS). This 0.4 m$^3$ detector has the goal of proving the scalability of the technology and assessing the physics and radiopurity capabilities. Given the low radioactivity requirements, especially in internal components such as field cage and cathode, the reduction of material while keeping the correct electrical behavior is paramount. In this paper, we present the validation of several internal components, mainly focusing on the field cage material and support structure. The tests included geometrical asymmetries in the electric field response, collection efficiency as well as measurement of known physical quantities. A preferred configuration is found with a structure based on Nylon material which supports a PET or Kapton sheet with copper strips deposited on. △ Less

Submitted 28 April, 2026; v1 submitted 27 October, 2025; originally announced October 2025.

Bayesian network 3D event reconstruction in the Cygno optical TPC for dark matter direct detection

Authors: Fernando Domingues Amaro, Rita Antonietti, Elisabetta Baracchini, Luigi Benussi, Stefano Bianco, Francesco Borra, Cesidio Capoccia, Michele Caponero, Gianluca Cavoto, Igor Abritta Costa, Antonio Croce, Emiliano Dané, Melba D'Astolfo, Giorgio Dho, Flaminia Di Giambattista, Emanuele Di Marco, Giulia D'Imperio, Matteo Folcarelli, Joaquim Marques Ferreira dos Santos, Davide Fiorina, Francesco Iacoangeli, Zahoor Ul Islam, Herman Pessoa Lima Júnior, Ernesto Kemp, Giovanni Maccarrone , et al. (28 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO experiment is developing a high-resolution gaseous Time Projection Chamber with optical readout for directional dark matter searches. The detector uses a helium-tetrafluoromethane (He:CF$_4$ 60:40) gas mixture at atmospheric pressure and a triple Gas Electron Multiplier amplification stage, coupled with a scientific camera for high-resolution 2D imaging and fast photomultipliers for time… ▽ More The CYGNO experiment is developing a high-resolution gaseous Time Projection Chamber with optical readout for directional dark matter searches. The detector uses a helium-tetrafluoromethane (He:CF$_4$ 60:40) gas mixture at atmospheric pressure and a triple Gas Electron Multiplier amplification stage, coupled with a scientific camera for high-resolution 2D imaging and fast photomultipliers for time-resolved scintillation light detection. This setup enables 3D event reconstruction: photomultipliers signals provide depth information, while the camera delivers high-precision transverse resolution. In this work, we present a Bayesian Network-based algorithm designed to reconstruct the events using only the photomultipliers signals, yielding a full 3D description of the particle trajectories. The algorithm models the light collection process probabilistically and estimates spatial and intensity parameters on the Gas Electron Multiplier plane, where light emission occurs. It is implemented within the Bayesian Analysis Toolkit and uses Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling for posterior inference. Validation using data from the CYGNO LIME prototype shows accurate reconstruction of localized and extended tracks. Results demonstrate that the Bayesian approach enables robust 3D description and, when combined with camera data, further improves the precision of track reconstruction. This methodology represents a significant step forward in directional dark matter detection, enhancing the identification of nuclear recoil tracks with high spatial resolution. △ Less

Submitted 11 November, 2025; v1 submitted 5 June, 2025; originally announced June 2025.

Journal ref: Eur. Phys. J. C 85, 1261 (2025)

Modeling the light response of an optically readout GEM based TPC for the CYGNO experiment

Authors: Fernando Dominques Amaro, Rita Antonietti, Elisabetta Baracchini, Luigi Benussi, Stefano Bianco, Roberto Campagnola, Cesidio Capoccia, Michele Caponero, Gianluca Cavoto, Igor Abritta Costa, Antonio Croce, Emiliano Danè, Melba D'Astolfo, Giorgio Dho, Flaminia Di Giambattista, Emanuele Di Marco, Giulia D'Imperio, Joaquim Marques Ferreira dos Santos, Davide Fiorina, Francesco Iacoangeli, Zahoor Ul Islam, Herman Pessoa Lima Junior, Ernesto Kemp, Francesca Lewis, Giovanni Maccarrone , et al. (34 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The use of gaseous Time Projection Chambers enables the detection and the detailed study of rare events due to particles interactions with the atoms of the gas with energy releases as low as a few keV. Due to this capability, these instruments are being developed for applications in the field of astroparticle physics, such as the study of dark matter and neutrinos. To readout events occurring in t… ▽ More The use of gaseous Time Projection Chambers enables the detection and the detailed study of rare events due to particles interactions with the atoms of the gas with energy releases as low as a few keV. Due to this capability, these instruments are being developed for applications in the field of astroparticle physics, such as the study of dark matter and neutrinos. To readout events occurring in the sensitive volume with a high granularity, the CYGNO collaboration is developing a solution where the light generated during the avalanche processes occurring in a multiplication stage based on Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) is read out by optical sensors with very high sensitivity and spatial resolution. To achieve a high light output, gas gain values of the order of $10^5\text{-}10^6$ are needed. Experimentally, a dependence of the detector response on the spatial density of the charge collected in the GEM holes has been observed, indicating a gain-reduction effect likely caused by space-charge buildup within the multiplication channels. This paper presents data collected with a prototype featuring a sensitive volume of about two liters, together with a model developed by the collaboration to describe and predict the gain dependence on charge density. A comparison with experimental data shows that the model accurately reproduces the gain behaviour over nearly one order of magnitude, with a percent-level precision. △ Less

Submitted 19 February, 2026; v1 submitted 9 May, 2025; originally announced May 2025.

Enhancing the light yield of He:CF$_4$ based gaseous detector

Authors: F. D. Amaro, R. Antonietti, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, R. Campagnola, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, D. S. Cardoso, L. G. M. de Carvalho, G. Cavoto, I. Abritta Costa, A. Croce, E. Dané, G. Dho, F. Di Giambattista, E. Di Marco, M. D'Astolfo, G. D'Imperio, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, Z. Islam, H. P. L. Jùnior, E. Kemp, G. Maccarrone , et al. (29 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO experiment aims to build a large ($\mathcal{O}(10)$ m$^3$) directional detector for rare event searches, such as nuclear recoils (NRs) induced by dark matter (DM), such as weakly interactive massive particles (WIMPs). The detector concept comprises a time projection chamber (TPC), filled with a He:CF$_4$ 60/40 scintillating gas mixture at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, equipp… ▽ More The CYGNO experiment aims to build a large ($\mathcal{O}(10)$ m$^3$) directional detector for rare event searches, such as nuclear recoils (NRs) induced by dark matter (DM), such as weakly interactive massive particles (WIMPs). The detector concept comprises a time projection chamber (TPC), filled with a He:CF$_4$ 60/40 scintillating gas mixture at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, equipped with an amplification stage made of a stack of three gas electron multipliers (GEMs) which are coupled to an optical readout. The latter consists in scientific CMOS (sCMOS) cameras and photomultipliers tubes (PMTs). The maximisation of the light yield of the amplification stage plays a major role in the determination of the energy threshold of the experiment. In this paper, we simulate the effect of the addition of a strong electric field below the last GEM plane on the GEM field structure and we experimentally test it by means of a 10$\times$10 cm$^2$ readout area prototype. The experimental measurements analyse stacks of different GEMs and helium concentrations in the gas mixture combined with this extra electric field, studying their performances in terms of light yield, energy resolution and intrinsic diffusion. It is found that the use of this additional electric field permits large light yield increases without degrading intrinsic characteristics of the amplification stage with respect to the regular use of GEMs. △ Less

Submitted 4 November, 2024; v1 submitted 9 June, 2024; originally announced June 2024.

Comments: Correction of typos in Section 2 and 6. Improved quality of plots with some modifications to clarify the content

Journal ref: Eur. Phys. J. C 84, 1122 (2024)

Charge Amplification in Low Pressure CF4:SF6:He Mixtures with a Multi-Mesh ThGEM for Directional Dark Matter Searches

Authors: F. D. Amaro, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, F. Borra, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, D. S. Cardoso, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, T. Crane, E. Dane, M. DAstolfo, G. Dho, F. Di Giambattista, G. DImperio, E. Di Marco, J. M. F. Dos Santos, A. C. Ezeribe, D. Fiorina, F. Iacoangeli, H. P. Lima Junior, G. S. P. Lopes, G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano , et al. (24 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO collaboration is developing next generation directional Dark Matter (DM) detection experiments, using gaseous Time Projection Chambers (TPCs), as a robust method for identifying Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) below the Neutrino Fog. SF6 is potentially ideal for this since it provides a high fluorine content, enhancing sensitivity to spin-dependent interactions and, as a Neg… ▽ More The CYGNO collaboration is developing next generation directional Dark Matter (DM) detection experiments, using gaseous Time Projection Chambers (TPCs), as a robust method for identifying Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) below the Neutrino Fog. SF6 is potentially ideal for this since it provides a high fluorine content, enhancing sensitivity to spin-dependent interactions and, as a Negative Ion Drift (NID) gas, reduces charge diffusion leading to improved positional resolution. CF4, although not a NID gas, has also been identified as a favourable gas target as it provides a scintillation signal which can be used for a complimentary light/charge readout approach. These gases can operate at low pressures to elongate Nuclear Recoil (NR) tracks and facilitate directional measurements. In principle, He could be added to low pressure SF6/CF4 without significant detriment to the length of 16S, 12C, and 19F recoils. This would improve the target mass, sensitivity to lower WIMP masses, and offer the possibility of atmospheric operation; potentially reducing the cost of a containment vessel. In this article, we present gas gain and energy resolution measurements, taken with a Multi-Mesh Thick Gaseous Electron Multiplier (MMThGEM), in low pressure SF6 and CF4:SF6 mixtures following the addition of He. We find that the CF4:SF6:He mixtures tested were able to produce gas gains on the order of 10^4 up to a total pressure of 100 Torr. These results demonstrate an order of magnitude improvement in charge amplification in NID gas mixtures with a He component. △ Less

Submitted 28 May, 2024; originally announced May 2024.

Comments: Corresponding Author: A.G. McLean

LIME -- a gas TPC prototype for directional Dark Matter search for the CYGNO experiment

Authors: Fernando Domingues Amaro, Elisabetta Baracchini, Luigi Benussi, Stefano Bianco, Cesidio Capoccia, Michele Caponero, Danilo Santos Cardoso, Gianluca Cavoto, André Cortez, Igor Abritta Costa, Emiliano Dané, Giorgio Dho, Flaminia Di Giambattista, Emanuele Di Marco, Giulia D'Imperio, Francesco Iacoangeli, Herman Pessoa Lima Junior, Guilherme Sebastiao Pinheiro Lopes, Giovanni Maccarrone, Rui Daniel Passos Mano, Robert Renz Marcelo Gregorio, David José Gaspar Marques, Giovanni Mazzitelli, Alasdair Gregor McLean, Andrea Messina , et al. (22 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO experiment aims at the development of a large gaseous TPC with GEM-based amplification and an optical readout by means of PMTs and scientific CMOS cameras for 3D tracking down to O(keV) energies, for the directional detection of rare events such as low mass Dark Matter and solar neutrino interactions. The largest prototype built so far towards the realisation of the CYGNO experiment demo… ▽ More The CYGNO experiment aims at the development of a large gaseous TPC with GEM-based amplification and an optical readout by means of PMTs and scientific CMOS cameras for 3D tracking down to O(keV) energies, for the directional detection of rare events such as low mass Dark Matter and solar neutrino interactions. The largest prototype built so far towards the realisation of the CYGNO experiment demonstrator is the 50 L active volume LIME, with 4 PMTs and a single sCMOS imaging a 33$\times$33 cm\textsuperscript{2} area for 50 cm drift, that has been installed in underground Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in February 2022. We will illustrate LIME performances as evaluated overground in Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati by means of radioactive X-ray sources, and in particular the detector stability, energy response and energy resolution. We will discuss the MC simulation developed to reproduce the detector response and show the comparison with actual data. We will furthermore examine the background simulation worked out for LIME underground data taking and illustrate the foreseen expected measurement and results in terms of natural and materials intrinsic radioactivity characterisation and measurement of the LNGS underground natural neutron flux. The results that will be obtained by underground LIME installation will be paramount in the optimisation of the CYGNO demonstrator, since this is foreseen to be composed by multiple modules with the same LIME dimensions and characteristics. △ Less

Submitted 29 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

The CYGNO experiment, a directional detector for direct Dark Matter searches

Authors: F. D. Amaro, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, D. S. Cardoso, G. Cavoto, A. Cortez, I. A. Costa, E. Dané, G. Dho, F. Di Giambattista, E. Di Marco, G. D'Imperio, F. Iacoangeli, H. P. L. Jùnior, G. S. P. Lopes, G. Maccarrone, R. D. P. Mano, R. R. M. Gregorio, D. J. G. Marques, G. Mazzitelli, A. G. McLean, A. Messina , et al. (22 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO project aims at the development of a high precision optical readout gaseous Tima Projection Chamber (TPC) for directional dark matter (DM) searches, to be hosted at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS). CYGNO employs a He:CF$_4$ gas mixture at atmospheric pressure with a Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) based amplification structure coupled to an optical readout comprised of sCMOS cam… ▽ More The CYGNO project aims at the development of a high precision optical readout gaseous Tima Projection Chamber (TPC) for directional dark matter (DM) searches, to be hosted at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS). CYGNO employs a He:CF$_4$ gas mixture at atmospheric pressure with a Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) based amplification structure coupled to an optical readout comprised of sCMOS cameras and photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). This experimental setup allows to achieve 3D tracking and background rejection down to O(1) keV energy, to boost sensitivity to low WIMP masses. The characteristics of the optical readout approach in terms of the light yield will be illustrated along with the particle identification properties. The project timeline foresees, in the next 2-3 years, the realisation and installation of a 0.4 m$^3$ TPC in the underground laboratories at LNGS to act as a demonstrator. Finally, the studies of the expected DM sensitivities of the CYGNO demonstrator will be presented. △ Less

Submitted 7 June, 2023; originally announced June 2023.

Measurement of the cosmic ray flux by an ArduSiPM-based muon telescope in the framework of the Lab2Go project

Authors: V. Agostini, B. Arcese, N. Ascani, P. Astone, V. Bocci, S. Caperna, F. Casaburo, A. Cerica, C. D'Auria, G. De Bonis, D. Deda, F. Di Mauro, A. Di Vico, R. Faccini, L. Frasca, G. Galuppi, G. Giovannetti, F. Iacoangeli, G. Ludovici, L. Martone, B. Marucci, L. Mizzoni, A. Moriconi, G. Organtini, F. Piacentini , et al. (4 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Whitin Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN) outreach activities, the Lab2Go project is of great significance. Its goal is involving high school teachers and students in several laboratory activities, aiming at increasing the weight of experimental contents in teaching and learning. In this article we present the measurement, carried out in the framework of the Lab2Go project, of the cosmic… ▽ More Whitin Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN) outreach activities, the Lab2Go project is of great significance. Its goal is involving high school teachers and students in several laboratory activities, aiming at increasing the weight of experimental contents in teaching and learning. In this article we present the measurement, carried out in the framework of the Lab2Go project, of the cosmic muon flux made by an ArduSiPM-based muon telescope. △ Less

Submitted 27 February, 2023; v1 submitted 30 January, 2023; originally announced January 2023.

The CYGNO Experiment

Authors: Fernando Domingues Amaro, Elisabetta Baracchini, Luigi Benussi, Stefano Bianco, Cesidio Capoccia, Michele Caponero, Danilo Santos Cardoso, Gianluca Cavoto, André Cortez, Igor Abritta Costa, Rita Joanna da Cruz Roque, Emiliano Dané, Giorgio Dho, Flaminia Di Giambattista, Emanuele Di Marco, Giovanni Grilli di Cortona, Giulia D'Imperio, Francesco Iacoangeli, Herman Pessoa Lima Júnior, Guilherme Sebastiao Pinheiro Lopes, Amaro da Silva Lopes Júnior, Giovanni Maccarrone, Rui Daniel Passos Mano, Michela Marafini, Robert Renz Marcelo Gregorio , et al. (25 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The search for a novel technology able to detect and reconstruct nuclear and electron recoil events with the energy of a few keV has become more and more important now that large regions of high-mass dark matter (DM) candidates have been excluded. Moreover, a detector sensitive to incoming particle direction will be crucial in the case of DM discovery to open the possibility of studying its proper… ▽ More The search for a novel technology able to detect and reconstruct nuclear and electron recoil events with the energy of a few keV has become more and more important now that large regions of high-mass dark matter (DM) candidates have been excluded. Moreover, a detector sensitive to incoming particle direction will be crucial in the case of DM discovery to open the possibility of studying its properties. Gaseous time projection chambers (TPC) with optical readout are very promising detectors combining the detailed event information provided by the TPC technique with the high sensitivity and granularity of latest-generation scientific light sensors. The CYGNO experiment (a CYGNus module with Optical readout) aims to exploit the optical readout approach of multiple-GEM structures in large volume TPCs for the study of rare events as interactions of low-mass DM or solar neutrinos. The combined use of high-granularity sCMOS cameras and fast light sensors allows the reconstruction of the 3D direction of the tracks, offering good energy resolution and very high sensitivity in the few keV energy range, together with a very good particle identification useful for distinguishing nuclear recoils from electronic recoils. This experiment is part of the CYGNUS proto-collaboration, which aims at constructing a network of underground observatories for directional DM search. A one cubic meter demonstrator is expected to be built in 2022/23 aiming at a larger scale apparatus (30 m$^3$--100 m$^3$) at a later stage. △ Less

Submitted 11 February, 2022; originally announced February 2022.

Journal ref: published on Instruments 2022, 6(1), 6

Multiple scattering of channeled and non-channeled positively charged particles in bent monocrystalline silicon

Authors: W. Scandale, G. Arduini, F. Cerutti, L. S. Esposito, M. Garattini, S. Gilardoni, R. Losito, A. Masi, D. Mirarchi, S. Montesano, S. Redaelli, R. Rossi, G. Smirnov, L. Burmistrov, S. Dubos, V. Puill, A. Stocchi, L. Bandiera, V. Guidi, A. Mazzolari, M. Romagnoni, F. Murtas, F. Addesa, G. Cavoto, F. Iacoangeli , et al. (17 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present the results of an experimental study of multiple scattering of positively charged high energy particles in bent samples of monocrystalline silicon. This work confirms the recently discovered effect of a strong reduction in the rms multiple scattering angle of particles channeled in the silicon (111) plane. The effect is observed in the plane orthogonal to the bending plane. We show in d… ▽ More We present the results of an experimental study of multiple scattering of positively charged high energy particles in bent samples of monocrystalline silicon. This work confirms the recently discovered effect of a strong reduction in the rms multiple scattering angle of particles channeled in the silicon (111) plane. The effect is observed in the plane orthogonal to the bending plane. We show in detail the influence of angular constraints on the magnitude of the effect. Comparison of the multiple scattering process at different energies indicates a violation of the law of inverse proportionality of the rms angle of channeled particles with energy. By increasing the statistics, we have improved the results of multiple scattering measurements for particles moving, but not channeled, in silicon crystals. △ Less

Submitted 31 January, 2022; v1 submitted 24 January, 2022; originally announced January 2022.

Comments: arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1910.00250 minor fixes

Muon detection in electron-positron annihilation for muon collider studies

Authors: N. Amapane, M. Antonelli, F. Anulli, G. Ballerini, L. Bandiera, N. Bartosik, M. Bauce, A. Bertolin, C. Biino, O. R. Blanco- Garcia, M. Boscolo, C. Brizzolari, A. Cappati, F. Casaburo, M. Casarsa, G. Cavoto, G. Cesarini, F. Collamati, G. Cotto, C. Curatolo, R. Di Nardo, F. Gonella, S. Hoh, M. Iafrati, F. Iacoangeli , et al. (21 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The investigation of the energy frontier in physics requires novel concepts for future colliders. The idea of a muon collider is very appealing since it would allow to study particle collisions at up to tens of TeV energy, while offering a cleaner experimental environment with respect to hadronic colliders. One key element in the muon collider design is the low-emittance muon production. Recently,… ▽ More The investigation of the energy frontier in physics requires novel concepts for future colliders. The idea of a muon collider is very appealing since it would allow to study particle collisions at up to tens of TeV energy, while offering a cleaner experimental environment with respect to hadronic colliders. One key element in the muon collider design is the low-emittance muon production. Recently,the Low EMittance Muon Accelerator (LEMMA) collaboration has explored the muon pair production close to its kinematic threshold by annihilating 45 GeV positrons with electrons in a low Z material target. In this configuration, muons are emerging from the target with a naturally low-emittance. In this paper we describe the performance of a system, to study this production mechanism, that consists in several segmented absorbers with alternating active layers composed of fast Cherenkov detectors together with a muon identification technique based on this detector. Passive layers were made of tungsten. We collected data corresponding to muon and electron beams produced at the H2 line in the North Area of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in September 2018. △ Less

Submitted 31 October, 2021; v1 submitted 26 May, 2021; originally announced May 2021.

CYGNO: a gaseous TPC with optical readout for dark matter directional search

Authors: E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, G. Cavoto, A. Cortez, I. A. Costa, E. Di Marco, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, F. Iacoangeli, G. Maccarrone, M. Marafini, G. Mazzitelli, A. Messina, R. A. Nobrega, A. Orlandi, E. Paoletti, L. Passamonti, F. Petrucci, D. Piccolo, D. Pierluigi, D. Pinci, F. Renga , et al. (4 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The CYGNO project has the goal to use a gaseous TPC with optical readout to detect dark matter and solar neutrinos with low energy threshold and directionality. The CYGNO demonstrator will consist of 1 m 3 volume filled with He:CF 4 gas mixture at atmospheric pressure. Optical readout with high granularity CMOS sensors, combined with fast light detectors, will provide a detailed reconstruction of… ▽ More The CYGNO project has the goal to use a gaseous TPC with optical readout to detect dark matter and solar neutrinos with low energy threshold and directionality. The CYGNO demonstrator will consist of 1 m 3 volume filled with He:CF 4 gas mixture at atmospheric pressure. Optical readout with high granularity CMOS sensors, combined with fast light detectors, will provide a detailed reconstruction of the event topology. This will allow to discriminate the nuclear recoil signal from the background, mainly represented by low energy electron recoils induced by radioactivity. Thanks to the high reconstruction efficiency, CYGNO will be sensitive to low mass dark matter, and will have the potential to overcome the neutrino floor, that ultimately limits non-directional dark matter searches. △ Less

Submitted 24 July, 2020; originally announced July 2020.

Journal ref: Journal of Instrumentation, Volume 15, July 2020

Identification of low energy nuclear recoils in a gas TPC with optical readout

Authors: Elisabetta Baracchini, Luigi Benussi, Stefano Bianco, Cesidio Capoccia, Michele Arturo Caponero, Gianluca Cavoto, Andre Cortez, Igor Abritta Costa, Emanuele Di Marco, Giulia D'Imperio, Giorgio Dho, Fabrizio Iacoangeli, Giovanni Maccarrone, Michela Marafini, Giovanni Mazzitelli, Andrea Messina, Rafael Antunes Nobrega, Aldo Orlandi, Emiliano Paoletti, Luciano Passamonti, Fabrizio Petrucci, Davide Piccolo, Daniele Pierluigi, Davide Pinci, Francesco Renga , et al. (5 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The search for a novel technology able to detect and reconstruct nuclear recoil events in the keV energy range has become more and more important as long as vast regions of high mass WIMP-like Dark Matter candidate have been excluded. Gaseous Time Projection Chambers (TPC) with optical readout are very promising candidate combining the complete event information provided by the TPC technique to th… ▽ More The search for a novel technology able to detect and reconstruct nuclear recoil events in the keV energy range has become more and more important as long as vast regions of high mass WIMP-like Dark Matter candidate have been excluded. Gaseous Time Projection Chambers (TPC) with optical readout are very promising candidate combining the complete event information provided by the TPC technique to the high sensitivity and granularity of last generation scientific light sensors. A TPC with an amplification at the anode obtained with Gas Electron Multipliers (GEM) was tested at the Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati. Photons and neutrons from radioactive sources were employed to induce recoiling nuclei and electrons with kinetic energy in the range [1-100] keV. A He-CF4 (60/40) gas mixture was used at atmospheric pressure and the light produced during the multiplication in the GEM channels was acquired by a high position resolution and low noise scientific CMOS camera and a photomultiplier. A multi-stage pattern recognition algorithm based on an advanced clustering technique is presented here. A number of cluster shape observables are used to identify nuclear recoils induced by neutrons originated from a AmBe source against X-ray 55Fe photo-electrons. An efficiency of 18% to detect nuclear recoils with an energy of about 6 keV is reached obtaining at the same time a 96% 55Fe photo-electrons suppression. This makes this optically readout gas TPC a very promising candidate for future investigations of ultra-rare events as directional direct Dark Matter searches. △ Less

Submitted 27 October, 2021; v1 submitted 24 July, 2020; originally announced July 2020.

Report number: LEMON-20-001

Journal ref: Meas. Sci. and Tech. 2020

A density-based clustering algorithm for the CYGNO data analysis

Authors: E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, G. Cavoto, A. Cortez, I. A. Costa, E. Di Marco, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, F. Iacoangeli, G. Maccarrone, M. Marafini, G. Mazzitelli, A. Messina, R. A. Nobrega, A. Orlandi, E. Paoletti, L. Passamonti, F. Petrucci, D. Piccolo, D. Pierluigi, D. Pinci, F. Renga , et al. (4 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) working in combination with Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs) produce a very sensitive detector capable of observing low energy events. This is achieved by capturing photons generated during the GEM electron multiplication process by means of a high-resolution camera. The CYGNO experiment has recently developed a TPC Triple GEM detector coupled to a low noise and high… ▽ More Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) working in combination with Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs) produce a very sensitive detector capable of observing low energy events. This is achieved by capturing photons generated during the GEM electron multiplication process by means of a high-resolution camera. The CYGNO experiment has recently developed a TPC Triple GEM detector coupled to a low noise and high spatial resolution CMOS sensor. For the image analysis, an algorithm based on an adapted version of the well-known DBSCAN was implemented, called iDBSCAN. In this paper a description of the iDBSCAN algorithm is given, including test and validation of its parameters, and a comparison with DBSCAN itself and a widely used algorithm known as Nearest Neighbor Clustering (NNC). The results show that the adapted version of DBSCAN is capable of providing full signal detection efficiency and very good energy resolution while improving the detector background rejection. △ Less

Submitted 28 September, 2020; v1 submitted 3 July, 2020; originally announced July 2020.

Journal ref: JINST 15 (2020) no.12, T12003

Stability and detection performance of a GEM-based Optical Readout TPC with He/CF$_4$ gas mixtures

Authors: E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, G. Cavoto, A. Cortez, I. A. Costa, E. Di Marco, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, F. Iacoangeli, G. Maccarrone, M. Marafini, G. Mazzitelli, A. Messina, R. A. Nobrega, A. Orlandi, E. Paoletti, L. Passamonti, F. Petrucci, D. Piccolo, D. Pierluigi, D. Pinci, F. Renga , et al. (4 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The performance and long term stability of an optically readout Time Projection Chamber with an electron amplification structure based on three Gas Electron Multipliers was studied. He/CF$_4$ based gas mixtures were used in two different proportions (60/40 and 70/30) in a CYGNO prototype with 7 litres sensitive volume. With electrical configurations providing very similar electron gains, an almost… ▽ More The performance and long term stability of an optically readout Time Projection Chamber with an electron amplification structure based on three Gas Electron Multipliers was studied. He/CF$_4$ based gas mixtures were used in two different proportions (60/40 and 70/30) in a CYGNO prototype with 7 litres sensitive volume. With electrical configurations providing very similar electron gains, an almost full detection efficiency in the whole detector volume was found with both mixtures, while a light yield about 20\% larger for the 60/40 was found. The electrostatic stability was tested by monitoring voltages and currents during 25 days. The detector worked in very stable and safe condition for the whole period. In the presence of less CF$_4$, a larger probability of unstable events was clearly detected. △ Less

Submitted 17 August, 2020; v1 submitted 1 July, 2020; originally announced July 2020.

Journal ref: JINST 15 (2020) no.10, P10001

Performance of an optically read out time projection chamber with ultra-relativistic electrons

Authors: V. C. Antochi, E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, G. Cavoto, A. Cortez, I. A. Costa, E. Di Marco, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, F. Iacoangeli, G Maccarrone, M. Marafini, G. Mazzitelli, A. Messina, R. A. N'obrega, A. Orlandi, E. Paoletti, L. Passamonti, F. Petrucci, D. Piccolo, D. Pierluigi, D. Pinci , et al. (6 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The Time Projection Chamber (TPC) is an ideal candidate to finely study the charged particle ionization in a gaseous medium. Large volumes TPCs can be read out with a suitable number of channels offering a complete 3D reconstruction of an ultra-relativistic charged particle track, that is the sequence of its energy releases in the TPC gas volume. Moreover, He-based TPCs are very promising to study… ▽ More The Time Projection Chamber (TPC) is an ideal candidate to finely study the charged particle ionization in a gaseous medium. Large volumes TPCs can be read out with a suitable number of channels offering a complete 3D reconstruction of an ultra-relativistic charged particle track, that is the sequence of its energy releases in the TPC gas volume. Moreover, He-based TPCs are very promising to study keV energy particles as nuclear recoils, opening the possibility for directional searches of Dark Matter (DM) and the study of Solar Neutrinos (SN). In this paper, we report the analysis of the data acquired with a small TPC prototype (named LEMOn) built by the CYGNO collaboration that was exposed to a beam of 450 MeV electrons at the Beam Test Facility of National Laboratories of Frascati. LEMOn is operated with a He-CF4 mixture at atmospheric pressure and is based on a Gas Electron Multipliers amplification stage that produces visible light collected by a sub-millimeter position resolution scientific CMOS camera. This type of readout - in conjunction with a fast light detection - allows a 3D reconstruction of the electrons' tracks. The electrons are leaving a trail of segments of ionizations corresponding to a few keV energy releases each. Their study leads to predict a keV energy threshold and 1-10 mm longitudinal and 0.1-0.3 mm transverse position resolution for nuclear recoils, very promising for the application of optically readout TPC to DM searches and SN measurements. △ Less

Submitted 10 March, 2021; v1 submitted 25 May, 2020; originally announced May 2020.

Report number: INFN-20-06/LNF

Journal ref: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 2021

First evidence of luminescence in a He/CF$_4$ gas mixture induced by non-ionizing electrons

Authors: E. Baracchini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, G. Cavoto, A. Cortez, I. A. Costa, E. Di Marco, G. D'Imperio, G. Dho, F. Iacoangeli, G. Maccarrone, M. Marafini, G. Mazzitelli, A. Messina, A. Orlandi, E. Paoletti, L. Passamonti, F. Petrucci, D. Piccolo, D. Pierluigi, D. Pinci, F. Renga, F. Rosatelli , et al. (3 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Optical readout of Gas Electron Multipliers (GEM) provides very interesting performances and has been proposed for different applications in particle physics. In particular, thanks to its good efficiency in the keV energy range, it is being developed for low-energy and rare event studies, such as Dark Matter search. So far, the optical approach exploits the light produced during the avalanche proc… ▽ More Optical readout of Gas Electron Multipliers (GEM) provides very interesting performances and has been proposed for different applications in particle physics. In particular, thanks to its good efficiency in the keV energy range, it is being developed for low-energy and rare event studies, such as Dark Matter search. So far, the optical approach exploits the light produced during the avalanche processes in GEM channels. Further luminescence in the gas can be induced by electrons accelerated by a suitable electric field. The CYGNO collaboration studied this process with a combined use of a triple-GEM structure and a grid in an He/CF$_4$ (60/40) gas mixture at atmospheric pressure. Results reported in this paper allow to conclude that with an electric field of about 11~kV/cm a photon production mean free path of about 1.0~cm was found. △ Less

Submitted 2 July, 2020; v1 submitted 22 April, 2020; originally announced April 2020.

Journal ref: JINST 15, no.08, P08018 (2020)

A 1 m$^3$ Gas Time Projection Chamber with Optical Readout for Directional Dark Matter Searches: the CYGNO Experiment

Authors: E. Baracchini, R. Bedogni, F. Bellini, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, C. Capoccia, M. Caponero, G. Cavoto, I. A. Costa, E. Di Marco, G. D'Imperio, F. Iacoangeli, G. Maccarone, M. Marafini, G. Mazzitelli, A. Messina, A. Orlandi, E. Paoletti, L. Passamonti, A. Pelosi, F. Petrucci, D. Piccolo, D. Pierluigi, D. Pinci, F. Renga , et al. (3 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The aim of the CYGNO project is the construction and operation of a 1~m$^3$ gas TPC for directional dark matter searches and coherent neutrino scattering measurements, as a prototype toward the 100-1000~m$^3$ (0.15-1.5 tons) CYGNUS network of underground experiments. In such a TPC, electrons produced by dark-matter- or neutrino-induced nuclear recoils will drift toward and will be multiplied by a… ▽ More The aim of the CYGNO project is the construction and operation of a 1~m$^3$ gas TPC for directional dark matter searches and coherent neutrino scattering measurements, as a prototype toward the 100-1000~m$^3$ (0.15-1.5 tons) CYGNUS network of underground experiments. In such a TPC, electrons produced by dark-matter- or neutrino-induced nuclear recoils will drift toward and will be multiplied by a three-layer GEM structure, and the light produced in the avalanche processes will be readout by a sCMOS camera, providing a 2D image of the event with a resolution of a few hundred micrometers. Photomultipliers will also provide a simultaneous fast readout of the time profile of the light production, giving information about the third coordinate and hence allowing a 3D reconstruction of the event, from which the direction of the nuclear recoil and consequently the direction of the incoming particle can be inferred. Such a detailed reconstruction of the event topology will also allow a pure and efficient signal to background discrimination. These two features are the key to reach and overcome the solar neutrino background that will ultimately limit non-directional dark matter searches. △ Less

Submitted 8 January, 2020; originally announced January 2020.

Comments: 5 page, 7 figures, contribution to the Conference Records of 2018 IEEE NSS/MIC

Reduction of multiple scattering of high-energy positively charged particles during channeling in single crystals

Authors: W. Scandale, L. S. Esposito, M. Garattini, R. Rossi, V. Zhovkovska, A. Natochii, F. Addesa, F. Iacoangeli, F. Galluccio, F. Murtas, A. G. Afonin, Yu. A. Chesnokov, A. A. Durum, V. A. Maisheev, Yu. E. Sandomirskiy, A. A. Yanovich, G. I. Smirnov, Yu. A. Gavrikov, Yu. M. Ivanov, M. A. Koznov, M. V. Malkov, L. G. Malyarenko, I. G. Mamunct, J. Borg, T. James , et al. (2 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: We present the experimental observation of the reduction of multiple scattering of high-energy positively charged particles during channeling in single crystals. According to our measurements the rms angle of multiple scattering in the plane orthogonal to the plane of the channeling is less than half that for non-channeled particles moving in the same crystal. In the experiment we use focusing ben… ▽ More We present the experimental observation of the reduction of multiple scattering of high-energy positively charged particles during channeling in single crystals. According to our measurements the rms angle of multiple scattering in the plane orthogonal to the plane of the channeling is less than half that for non-channeled particles moving in the same crystal. In the experiment we use focusing bent single crystals. Such crystals have a variable thickness in the direction of beam propagation. This allows us to measure rms angles of scattering as a function of thickness for channeled and non-channeled particles. The behaviour with thickness of non-channeled particles is in agreement with expectations whereas the behaviour of channeled particles has unexpected features. We give a semi-quantitative explanation of the observed effect. △ Less

Submitted 1 October, 2019; originally announced October 2019.

Comments: 13 pages, 7 figures

Study of muon pair production from positron annihilation at threshold energy

Authors: N. Amapane, M. Antonelli, F. Anulli, G. Ballerini, L. Bandiera, N. Bartosik, M. Bauce, A. Bertolin, C. Biino, O. R. Blanco-Garcia, M. Boscolo, C. Brizzolari, A. Cappati, M. Casarsa, G. Cavoto, F. Collamati, G. Cotto, C. Curatolo, R. Di Nardo, F. Gonella, S. Hoh, M. Iafrati, F. Iacoangeli, B. Kiani, D. Lucchesi , et al. (17 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The muon collider represents one of the most promising solutions for a future machine exploring the high energy frontier, but several challenges due to the 2.2 $μ$sec muon lifetime at rest have to be carefully considered. The LEMMA project is investigating the possibility of producing low emittance muon/antimuon pairs from the e$^+$e$^-$ annihilation process at threshold energy, resulting in small… ▽ More The muon collider represents one of the most promising solutions for a future machine exploring the high energy frontier, but several challenges due to the 2.2 $μ$sec muon lifetime at rest have to be carefully considered. The LEMMA project is investigating the possibility of producing low emittance muon/antimuon pairs from the e$^+$e$^-$ annihilation process at threshold energy, resulting in small transverse emittance beams without any additional beam cooling. However most of the measurements available are performed at higher $\sqrt{s}$ values. It is therefore necessary to measure muons production in positron annihilation at threshold energy and compare the experimental results with the predictions in this specific energy regime. Apart from being a topic of physical interest by itself, these near to threshold measurements can have a sizeable impact on the estimation of the ultimate luminosity achievable in a muon collider with the LEMMA injection scheme. △ Less

Submitted 10 January, 2020; v1 submitted 30 September, 2019; originally announced September 2019.

Comments: 13 pages, 8 figures

Journal ref: 2020 JINST 15 P01036

Double-crystal setup measurements at the CERN SPS

Authors: W. Scandale, F. Cerutti, L. S. Esposito, M. Garattini, S. Gilardoni, S. Montesano, R. Rossi, L. Burmistrov, S. Dubos, A. Natochii, V. Puill, A. Stocchi, V. Zhovkovska, F. Murtas, F. Addesa, F. Iacoangeli, F. Galluccio, A. D. Kovalenko, A. M. Taratin, G. I. Smirnov, A. S. Denisov, Yu. A. Gavrikov, Yu. M. Ivanov, L. P. Lapina, L. G. Malyarenko , et al. (11 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: In this paper, we discuss an experimental layout for the two-crystals scenario at the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) accelerator. The research focuses on a fixed target setup at the circulating machine in a frame of the Physics Beyond Colliders (PBC) project at CERN. The UA9 experiment at the SPS serves as a testbench for the proof of concept, which is planning to be projected onto the Large Hadro… ▽ More In this paper, we discuss an experimental layout for the two-crystals scenario at the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) accelerator. The research focuses on a fixed target setup at the circulating machine in a frame of the Physics Beyond Colliders (PBC) project at CERN. The UA9 experiment at the SPS serves as a testbench for the proof of concept, which is planning to be projected onto the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) scale. The presented in the text configuration was used for the quantitative characterization of the deflected particle beam by a pair of bent silicon crystals. For the first time in the double-crystal configuration, a particle deflection efficiency by the second crystal of $0.188 \pm 3 \cdot 10^{-5}$ and $0.179 \pm 0.013$ was measured on the accelerator by means of the Timepix detector and Beam Loss Monitor (BLM) respectively. In this setup, a wide range angular scan allowed a possibility to \textit{in situ} investigate different crystal working regimes (channeling, volume reflection, etc.), and to measure a bent crystal torsion. △ Less

Submitted 6 September, 2019; originally announced September 2019.

Comments: 6 pages, 8 figures. To be submitted to PLB

Results on Multiple Coulomb Scattering from 12 and 20 GeV electrons on Carbon targets

Authors: G. Abbiendi, J. Bernhard, F. Betti, M. Bonanomi, C. M. Carloni Calame, M. Garattini, Y. Gavrikov, G. Hall, F. Iacoangeli, F. Ignatov, M. Incagli, V. Ivanchenko, F. Ligabue, T. O. James, U. Marconi, C. Matteuzzi, M. Passera, M. Pesaresi, F. Piccinini, R. N. Pilato, F. Pisani, A. Principe, W. Scandale, R. Tenchini, G. Venanzoni

Abstract: Multiple scattering effects of 12 and 20 GeV electrons on 8 and 20 mm thickness carbon targets have been studied with high-resolution silicon microstrip detectors of the UA9 apparatus at the H8 line at CERN. Comparison of the scattering angle between data and GEANT4 simulation shows excellent agreement in the core of the distributions leaving some residual disagreement in the tails. Multiple scattering effects of 12 and 20 GeV electrons on 8 and 20 mm thickness carbon targets have been studied with high-resolution silicon microstrip detectors of the UA9 apparatus at the H8 line at CERN. Comparison of the scattering angle between data and GEANT4 simulation shows excellent agreement in the core of the distributions leaving some residual disagreement in the tails. △ Less

Submitted 19 April, 2020; v1 submitted 28 May, 2019; originally announced May 2019.

Comments: 14 pages, 16 figures. Updated to match published version

Journal ref: JINST 15 (2020) 01, P01017

Positron driven muon source for a muon collider

Authors: D. Alesini, M. Antonelli, M. E. Biagini, M. Boscolo, O. R. Blanco-García, A. Ciarma, R. Cimino, M. Iafrati, A. Giribono, S. Guiducci, L. Pellegrino, M. Rotondo, C. Vaccarezza, A. Variola, A. Allegrucci, F. Anulli, M. Bauce, F. Collamati, G. Cavoto, G. Cesarini, F. Iacoangeli, R. Li Voti, A. Bacci, I. Drebot, P. Raimondi , et al. (33 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The design of a future multi-TeV muon collider needs new ideas to overcome the technological challenges related to muon production, cooling, accumulation and acceleration. In this paper a layout of a positron driven muon source known as the Low EMittance Muon Accelerator (LEMMA) concept is presented. The positron beam, stored in a ring with high energy acceptance and low emittance, is extracted an… ▽ More The design of a future multi-TeV muon collider needs new ideas to overcome the technological challenges related to muon production, cooling, accumulation and acceleration. In this paper a layout of a positron driven muon source known as the Low EMittance Muon Accelerator (LEMMA) concept is presented. The positron beam, stored in a ring with high energy acceptance and low emittance, is extracted and driven to a multi-target system, to produce muon pairs at threshold. This solution alleviates the issues related to the power deposited and the integrated Peak Energy Density Deposition (PEDD) on the targets. Muons produced in the multi-target system will then be accumulated before acceleration and injection in the collider. A multi-target line lattice has been designed to cope with the focusing of both the positron and muon beams. Studies on the number, material and thickness of the targets have been carried out. A general layout of the overall scheme and a description is presented, as well as plans for future R&D. △ Less

Submitted 19 May, 2019; v1 submitted 14 May, 2019; originally announced May 2019.

Comments: 18 pages, 32 figures

Commissioning and operation of the Cherenkov detector for proton Flux Measurement of the UA9 Experiment

Authors: F. M. Addesa, L. Burmistrov, D. Breton, G. Cavoto, V. Chaumat, S. Dubos, L. Esposito, F. Galluccio, M. Garattini, F. Iacoangeli, J. Maalmi, D. Mirarchi, A. Natochii, V. Puill, R. Rossi, W. Scandale, S. Montesano, A. Stocchi

Abstract: The UA9 Experiment at CERN-SPS investigates channeling processes in bent silicon crystals with the aim to manipulate hadron beams. Monitoring and characterization of channeled beams in the high energy accelerators environment ideally requires in-vacuum and radiation hard detectors. For this purpose the Cherenkov detector for proton Flux Measurement (CpFM) was designed and developed. It is based on… ▽ More The UA9 Experiment at CERN-SPS investigates channeling processes in bent silicon crystals with the aim to manipulate hadron beams. Monitoring and characterization of channeled beams in the high energy accelerators environment ideally requires in-vacuum and radiation hard detectors. For this purpose the Cherenkov detector for proton Flux Measurement (CpFM) was designed and developed. It is based on thin fused silica bars in the beam pipe vacuum which intercept charged particles and generate Cherenkov light. The first version of the CpFM is installed since 2015 in the crystal-assisted collimation setup of the UA9 experiment. In this paper the procedures to make the detector operational and fully integrated in the UA9 setup are described. The most important standard operations of the detector are presented. They have been used to commission and characterize the detector, providing moreover the measurement of the integrated channeled beam profile and several functionality tests as the determination of the crystal bending angle. The calibration has been performed with Lead (Pb) and Xenon (Xe) beams and the results are applied to the flux measurement discussed here in detail. △ Less

Submitted 12 April, 2019; originally announced April 2019.

Comments: 25 pages, 14 figures

Journal ref: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment 946 (2019), p. 162513. issn: 0168-9002

Experimental results of crystal-assisted slow extraction at the SPS

Authors: M. A. Fraser, F. Addesa, G. Cavoto, F. Galluccio, S. Gilardoni, B. Goddard, F. Iacoangeli, V. Kain, D. Mirarchi, S. Montesano, F. Murtas, S. Petrucci, S. Redaelli, R. Rossi, W. Scandale, L. Stoel

Abstract: The possibility of extracting highly energetic particles from the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) by means of silicon bent crystals has been explored since the 1990's. The channelling effect of a bent crystal can be used to strongly deflect primary protons and eject them from the synchrotron. Many studies and experiments have been carried out to investigate crystal channelling effects. The extracti… ▽ More The possibility of extracting highly energetic particles from the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) by means of silicon bent crystals has been explored since the 1990's. The channelling effect of a bent crystal can be used to strongly deflect primary protons and eject them from the synchrotron. Many studies and experiments have been carried out to investigate crystal channelling effects. The extraction of 120 and 270 GeV proton beams has already been demonstrated in the SPS with dedicated experiments located in the ring. Presently in the SPS, the UA9 experiment is performing studies to evaluate the possibility to use bent silicon crystals to steer particle beams in high energy accelerators. Recent studies on the feasibility of extraction from the SPS have been made using the UA9 infrastructure with a longer-term view of using crystals to help mitigate slow extraction induced activation of the SPS. In this paper, the possibility to eject particles into the extraction channel in LSS2 using the bent crystals already installed in the SPS is presented. Details of the concept, simulations and measurements carried out with beam are presented, before the outlook for the future is discussed. △ Less

Submitted 17 July, 2017; originally announced July 2017.

Comments: 4 pages, 7 figures, submitted to to International Particle Accelerator Conference (IPAC) 2017 in Copenhagen, Denmark

An educational distributed Cosmic Ray detector network based on ArduSiPM

Authors: V Bocci, G Chiodi, P Fresch, F Iacoangeli, L Recchia

Abstract: The advent of microcontrollers with enough CPU power and with analog and digital peripherals makes possible to design a complete particle detector with relative acquisition system around one microcontroller chip. The existence of a world wide data infrastructure as internet allows for devising a distributed network of cheap detectors capable to elaborate and send data or respond to settings comman… ▽ More The advent of microcontrollers with enough CPU power and with analog and digital peripherals makes possible to design a complete particle detector with relative acquisition system around one microcontroller chip. The existence of a world wide data infrastructure as internet allows for devising a distributed network of cheap detectors capable to elaborate and send data or respond to settings commands. The internet infrastructure enables to distribute the absolute time (with precision of few milliseconds), to the simple devices far apart, with few milliseconds precision, from a few meters to thousands of kilometres. So it is possible to create a crowdsourcing experiment of citizen science that use small scintillation-based particle detectors to monitor the high energetic cosmic ray and the radiation environment. △ Less

Submitted 28 March, 2017; originally announced March 2017.

A low cost network of spectrometer radiation detectors based on the ArduSiPM a compact transportable Software/Hardware Data Acquisition system with Arduino DUE

Authors: Valerio Bocci, Giacomo Chiodi, Francesco Iacoangeli, Massimo Nuccetelli, Luigi Recchia

Abstract: The necessity to use Photo Multipliers (PM) as light detector limited in the past the use of crystals in radiation handled device preferring the Geiger approach. The Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) are very small and cheap, solid photon detectors with good dynamic range and single photon detection capability, they are usable to supersede in some application cumbersome and difficult to use Photo M… ▽ More The necessity to use Photo Multipliers (PM) as light detector limited in the past the use of crystals in radiation handled device preferring the Geiger approach. The Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) are very small and cheap, solid photon detectors with good dynamic range and single photon detection capability, they are usable to supersede in some application cumbersome and difficult to use Photo Multipliers (PM). A SiPM can be coupled with a scintillator crystal to build efficient, small and solid radiation detector. A cost effective and easily replicable Hardware software module for SiPM detector readout is made using the ArduSiPM solution [1]. The ArduSiPM is an easily battery operable handled device using an Arduino DUE (an open Software/Hardware board) as processor board and a piggy-back custom designed board (ArduSiPM Shield), the Shield contains all the blocks features to monitor, set and acquire the SiPM using internet network. △ Less

Submitted 5 June, 2015; originally announced June 2015.

Comments: arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1411.7814

The ArduSiPM a compact trasportable Software/Hardware Data Acquisition system for SiPM detector

Authors: Valerio Bocci, Giacomo Chiodi, Francesco Iacoangeli, Massimo Nuccetelli, Luigi Recchia

Abstract: The acquisition of a single Silicon Photomultiplier require multiple and expensive electronics modules as : preamplifier, discriminator, bias voltage power supply, temperature monitor, Scalers, Analog to Digital Converter and Time to Digital Converter . The developed ArduSiPM is a compact cost effective and easily replicable Hardware software module for SiPM detector readout. The ArduSiPM uses an… ▽ More The acquisition of a single Silicon Photomultiplier require multiple and expensive electronics modules as : preamplifier, discriminator, bias voltage power supply, temperature monitor, Scalers, Analog to Digital Converter and Time to Digital Converter . The developed ArduSiPM is a compact cost effective and easily replicable Hardware software module for SiPM detector readout. The ArduSiPM uses an Arduino DUE (an open Software/Hardware board based on an ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller) as processor board and a piggyback custom designed board (Shield), these are controlled by custom developed software and interface. The Shield contains different electronics features both to monitor, to set and to acquire the SiPM signals using the microcontroller board. The shield embed a controlled bias voltage power supply, a fast voltage preamplifier, a programmable fast discriminator to generate over threshold digital pulse , a peak hold to measure the pulse height, a temperature monitor system, a scaler to monitor over threshold rate and arrival time of the pulses. A TCP/IP Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection is used both to control and to acquire the ArduSiPM remotely with either a PC software or a Tablet APP (depending on the application). △ Less

Submitted 28 November, 2014; originally announced November 2014.

Performance of the LHCb muon system

Authors: A. A. Alves Jr, L. Anderlini, M. Anelli, R. Antunes Nobrega, G. Auriemma, W. Baldini, G. Bencivenni, R. Berutti, A. Bizzeti, V. Bocci, N. Bondar, W. Bonivento, B. Botchin, S. Cadeddu, P. Campana, G. Carboni, A. Cardini, M. Carletti, P. Ciambrone, E. Dané S. De Capua, V. De Leo, C. Deplano, P. De Simone, F. Dettori, A. Falabella , et al. (48 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The performance of the LHCb Muon system and its stability across the full 2010 data taking with LHC running at ps = 7 TeV energy is studied. The optimization of the detector setting and the time calibration performed with the first collisions delivered by LHC is described. Particle rates, measured for the wide range of luminosities and beam operation conditions experienced during the run, are comp… ▽ More The performance of the LHCb Muon system and its stability across the full 2010 data taking with LHC running at ps = 7 TeV energy is studied. The optimization of the detector setting and the time calibration performed with the first collisions delivered by LHC is described. Particle rates, measured for the wide range of luminosities and beam operation conditions experienced during the run, are compared with the values expected from simulation. The space and time alignment of the detectors, chamber efficiency, time resolution and cluster size are evaluated. The detector performance is found to be as expected from specifications or better. Notably the overall efficiency is well above the design requirements △ Less

Submitted 15 February, 2013; v1 submitted 6 November, 2012; originally announced November 2012.

Comments: JINST_015P_1112 2013

Report number: LHCb-DP-2012-002

Measurement of sigma(pp -> b anti-b X) at \sqrt(s)=7 TeV in the forward region

Authors: LHCb Collaboration, R. Aaij, C. Abellan Beteta, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, C. Adrover, A. Affolder, M. Agari, Z. Ajaltouni, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, M. Alfonsi, P. Alvarez Cartelle, A. A. Alves Jr, S. Amato, Y. Amhis, J. Amoraal, J. Anderson, R. Antunes Nobrega, R. Appleby, O. Aquines Gutierrez, A. Arefyev, L. Arrabito, M. Artuso , et al. (606 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: Decays of b hadrons into final states containing a D0 meson and a muon are used to measure the b anti-b production cross-section in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV at the LHC. In the pseudorapidity interval 2 < eta < 6 and integrated over all transverse momenta we find that the average cross-section to produce b-flavoured or anti-b-flavoured hadrons is (75.3 +/- 5.4 +/… ▽ More Decays of b hadrons into final states containing a D0 meson and a muon are used to measure the b anti-b production cross-section in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV at the LHC. In the pseudorapidity interval 2 < eta < 6 and integrated over all transverse momenta we find that the average cross-section to produce b-flavoured or anti-b-flavoured hadrons is (75.3 +/- 5.4 +/- 13.0) microbarns. △ Less

Submitted 7 October, 2010; v1 submitted 14 September, 2010; originally announced September 2010.

Comments: 11 pages, 5 figures, to be published in Physics Lett. B; v2 minor changes

Report number: LHCb-PAPER-2010-002; CERN-PH-EP-2010-029

Journal ref: Phys.Lett.B694:209-216,2010

Prompt K_short production in pp collisions at sqrt(s)=0.9 TeV

Authors: LHCb Collaboration, R. Aaij, C. Abellan Beteta, B. Adeva, M. Adinolfi, C. Adrover, A. Affolder, M. Agari, Z. Ajaltouni, J. Albrecht, F. Alessio, M. Alexander, M. Alfonsi, P. Alvarez Cartelle, A. A. Alves Jr, S. Amato, Y. Amhis, J. Amoraal, J. Anderson, R. Antunes Nobrega, R. Appleby, O. Aquines Gutierrez, A. Arefyev, L. Arrabito, M. Artuso , et al. (605 additional authors not shown)

Abstract: The production of K_short mesons in pp collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 0.9 TeV is studied with the LHCb detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The luminosity of the analysed sample is determined using a novel technique, involving measurements of the beam currents, sizes and positions, and is found to be 6.8 +/- 1.0 microbarn^-1. The differential prompt K_short production cross-section is… ▽ More The production of K_short mesons in pp collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 0.9 TeV is studied with the LHCb detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The luminosity of the analysed sample is determined using a novel technique, involving measurements of the beam currents, sizes and positions, and is found to be 6.8 +/- 1.0 microbarn^-1. The differential prompt K_short production cross-section is measured as a function of the K_short transverse momentum and rapidity in the region 0 < pT < 1.6 GeV/c and 2.5 < y < 4.0. The data are found to be in reasonable agreement with previous measurements and generator expectations. △ Less

Submitted 15 September, 2010; v1 submitted 18 August, 2010; originally announced August 2010.

Comments: 6+18 pages, 6 figures, updated author list

Report number: CERN-PH-EP-2010-027; LHCb-PAPER-2010-001

Journal ref: Phys.Lett.B693:69-80,2010

Measurement of the luminosity at the DAFNE collider upgraded with the crab waist scheme

Authors: M. Boscolo, F. Bossi, B. Buonomo, G. Mazzitelli, F. Murtas, P. Raimondi, G. Sensolini, M. Schioppa, F. Iacoangeli, P. Valente, N. Arnaud, D. Breton, L. Burmistrov, A. Stocchi, A. Variola, B. Viaud, P. Branchini

Abstract: The test of the crab waist collision scheme, undergoing at the e+e- Frascati DAFNE accelerator complex since February 2008, requires a fast and accurate measurement of the absolute luminosity, as well as a full characterization of the background conditions. Three different monitors, a Bhabha calorimeter, a Bhabha GEM tracker and a gamma bremsstrahlung proportional counter have been designed, tes… ▽ More The test of the crab waist collision scheme, undergoing at the e+e- Frascati DAFNE accelerator complex since February 2008, requires a fast and accurate measurement of the absolute luminosity, as well as a full characterization of the background conditions. Three different monitors, a Bhabha calorimeter, a Bhabha GEM tracker and a gamma bremsstrahlung proportional counter have been designed, tested and installed around the interaction point end of 2007-beginning of 2008. In this paper, we describe these detectors and present their performances in various operation conditions during the 2008 and 2009 DAFNE runs. △ Less

Submitted 10 September, 2009; originally announced September 2009.

Comments: The resolution of some pictures has been decreased in order to cope with the ArXiv policy

Report number: LNF preprint 09 / 9(P)