Evaluation of a pre-cell hit detector for the future single ion hit facility in Lund

Abstract

Currently, a single ion hit facility, for irradiation of single cells with single, light MeV ions is under development at the Lund Nuclear Microprobe. In this paper, a novel approach to the ion detection issue is presented. A silicon detector, a type utilized at other facilities for post-cell ion detection, has been investigated as a possible option for pre-cell hit detection. If proven successful, this detector could possibly also be used simultaneously as vacuum window.The first experiments carried out on the 9μm thick silicon detector, with an area of 4mm2, have been aimed at investigations of signal-to-noise ratio and efficiency. The results thus far reveal a low noise level and a noise distribution, which is well separated from the signal peak. However, the efficiency remains a problem, since at present it is far from the required 100%.