Analytical devices based on light-emitting diodes – a review of the state-of-the-art

A general overview of the development of the uses of light-emitting diodes in analytical instrumentation is given. Fundamental aspects of light-emitting diodes, as far as relevant for this usage, are covered in the first part. The measurement of light intensity is also discussed, as this is an essential part of any device based on light-emitting diodes as well. In the second part, applications are discussed, which cover liquid and gas-phase absorbance measurements, flow-through detectors for chromatography and capillary electrophoresis, sensors, as well as some less often reported methods such as photoacoustic spectroscopy.     

Cosmic ray test for a T0 detector

The endcap of time-of-flight (ETOF) detector in BES (Beijing Spectrometer) III is planned to be upgraded by using multi-gap resistive plate chambers (MRPCs) and the designed time resolution of the MRPCs is around 50 ps. Thus a time-zero (T0) detector needs to be built to offer a high quality reference time for the MRPCs beam test. So a T0 detector is built using plastic scintillator tiles (BC420) to couple with four fast phototubes (PMTs, Hamamatsu H6533). The timing properties of the detector is studied by using a cosmic ray test and factors related to the time resolution, such as plastic scintillator size, readout mode and angle effects, are discussed. T0 detector timing resolutions of ～41-62 ps are achieved, which means that the T0 detector can be used in the MRPC beam test.     

PMT overshoot study for the JUNO prototype detector

The quality of PMT signals is crucial for large-size and high-precision neutrino experiments, but most of these experiments are affected by the overshoot of PMT signals from the positive HV-single cable scheme. Overshoot affects the trigger, dead time and charge measurement from a detector. For the JUNO prototype detector, we have performed a detailed study and calculation on PMT signal overshoot to control the ratio of overshoot to signal amplitude to ~1%, with no effect on other PMT parameters.     

Study of linearity for a high dynamic range calorimeter

A high dynamic range calorimeter has been designed for the DArk Matter Particles Explore(DAMPE) satellite. It consists of 308 BGO crystals, multi-dynode readout PMTs and front end electronics system. We have built on previous research to show that BGO fluorescence should not be saturated by high electron energy density under DAMPE's energy range. A BGO fluorescence simulator is set up to calibrate the energy range of the dynodes, while a cosmic-ray unit is used to calibrate 1 MIP with the ADC count in dynode 8. Linearity is achieved for the dynamic range from 0.5 MIPs to 1.26×105MIPs. The requirements of DAMPE can thus be satisfied.     

化学发光法大气氮氧化物浓度自动分析仪中光信号探测模块温控系统设计

化学发光法是测量低浓度的大气氮氧化物含量的有效方法,可用于24h连续自动分析的大气环境监测系统。然而该方法需要高温转换室、高压臭氧发生模块、高温反应室等模块,使得仪器内的环境分布极为复杂,仪器在长时间运行后容易出现灵敏度下降、信噪比降低等现象。针对上述现象,设计了用于仪器的光信号探测模块的温度控制系统。该温控系统基于PID控制原理,通过AVR单片机ATMEGAl6对半导体制冷片（Ther—mo—ElectricCooling,TEC）的闭环控制来实现温度的精密控制。实验结果表明,该系统可以使光信号探测模块的温度控制在5℃±0．1℃,光电倍增管的暗噪声从25℃时的363个／s下降到5℃时的8个／s光子数,噪声波动标准差也从22降到3,能够很好地满足系统对信号探测稳定性的要求。     

Study on the temperature dependence of BGO light yield

The temperature dependence of BGO coupled with photomultiplier tube R5610A-01 was studied in the range of-30–30℃. The temperature coefficient of the BGO and R5610 A as a whole was tested to be-1.82%/℃. And the temperature coefficient of the gain of the R5610 A is-0.44%/℃ which was tested in the same situation using a blue LED. Thus the temperature coefficient of BGO's light yield can be evaluated as-1.38%/℃.     

光电倍增管在磷酸液声致发光实验中的应用

对不同厚度液体进行光强测量,深入探索空化气泡的运动,研究发光机理很有意义。用超声激励法在磷酸液体中实现多泡声致发光,研究不同共振频率下发光的特点。利用光电倍增管多次测量发光强度相互比较,结果是在液体厚度10 cm、驱动频率f=21.061kHz和f=20.316kHz时,周期性较好为50μs,液体通过漩涡集中气泡可以使更多气泡发光;在液体厚度3 mm、驱动频率f=17.91kHz和f=19kHz时,周期性很好为25μs;且光信号都较强。结论是磷酸中声致发光强度、周期与液体厚度、驱动频率密切相关。本文以磷酸液多泡声致发光实验研究为基础,从内部和外部原理来出发,详细介绍了光电倍增管在多泡声致发光光强测量中的实用,为今后研究者提供了一些经验。根据实验过程中遇到的一些实际问题提出了建议和改善意见。     

Standoff Laser-Induced Fluorescence Sensors for Biological Warfare Agents

We report comparison studies of two different sensors, the gated intensified charge-coupled device and the multianode photo multiplier tube detector for standoff detection of bio-aerosol. The ultraviolet laser-induced fluorescence technique is considered. Ultraviolet laser-induced fluorescence signals are evaluated under different bacteria aerosol concentrations, ranges, atmospheric conditions, and solar backgrounds. The signal-to-noise ratio is calculated for both the detectors for daylight and twilight solar conditions. The detectable concentration and range for both of the detectors is evaluated. Standoff ultraviolet laser-induced light detection and ranging is applicable in homeland security for early warning of biological warfare agents.     

Suppressing ringing caused by large photomultiplier tube signals

We describe here the characteristic features of the ringing we observed following large PMT signals in the Daya Bay reactor antineutrino experiment. We conclude that the ceramic capacitors used in the circuitry of the PMT bases and the HV-signal decouplers are the primary cause for this ringing. We present some possible schemes to reduce the ringing when replacing these ceramic capacitors is not feasible.