MINIBALL A Ge detector array for radioactive ion beam facilities

Abstract

Dedicated Ge-detector arrays are being developed for the investigation of rare γ decays with low γ-ray multiplicity at the upcoming radioactive ion beam facilities. These arrays are optimized for the high full-energy peak efficiency and angular resolution of the γ-ray detection needed for a proper Doppler correction of the γ-rays emitted by fast recoiling nuclei. MINIBALL will consist of 40 six-fold segmented, encapsulated Ge detectors which are clustered in eight cryostats with three detectors each and four cryostats with four detectors, respectively. The individual components - the six-fold segmented Ge detector, the cryostats, the fast preamplifier, the digital pulse-processing electronics and the mechanical frame - and their properties are described. The results of test measurements with the first MINIBALL cluster detector using a 137Cs source and the in-beam reaction D( 37Cl, n) 38Ar are presented. It is shown that from pulse-shape analysis of the events within a detector segment the effective granularity of the MINIBALL array can be enhanced from 240 to ∼ 4000. The specifications of MINIBALL are compiled on the basis of experimental data. First results with a 12-fold segmented, encapsulated detector are discussed with respect to the feasibility of future γ-ray tracking arrays.