Compact 16-channel integrated charge-sensitive preamplifier module for silicon strip detectors

Abstract

In this study, a compact 16-channel integrated charge-sensitive preamplifier named the smart preamplifier (SPA) was developed to support the large-scale detector array used in modern nuclear physics experiments. Two types of SPA, namely SPA02 and SPA03 (with external field effect transistor), have been manufactured to match silicon detectors with small and large capacitances, respectively. The characteristics of the SPA include fast response of typically less than 6 ns for pulse rising time and low equivalent noise of 1.5 keV at zero input capacitance. The energy sensitivity and pulse decay time can be easily adjusted by changing the feedback capacitance $$C_\mathrm{f}$$ and resistance $$R_\mathrm{f}$$ in various applications. A good energy resolution of 24.4 keV for 5.803-MeV alpha particles from $$^{244}$$Cm was achieved using a small-sized Si-PIN detector; for the silicon strip detectors in the test with the alpha source, a typical energy resolution of 0.6–0.8% was achieved. The integrated SPA has been employed in several experiments of silicon strip detectors with hundreds of channels, and a good performance has been realized.