# Nonlocal Thresholds for Improving the Spatial Resolution of Pixel Detectors

## TL;DR

This paper proposes a dynamic threshold scheme for pixel detectors that leverages spatial proximity of hits to improve signal efficiency while controlling occupancy, with potential applications in high-energy physics experiments.

## Contribution

It introduces a novel dynamic threshold method based on hit spatial correlation, enhancing detector performance without increasing noise-induced false hits.

## Key findings

- Improved signal efficiency demonstrated through empirical results.
- Potential implementation strategies for collider readout chips discussed.
- Threshold adjustment effectively balances sensitivity and occupancy.

## Abstract

Pixel detectors only record signals above a tuned threshold in order to suppress noise. As sensors become thinner, pitches decrease, and radiation damage reduces the collected charge, it is increasingly desirable to lower thresholds. By making the simple, but powerful observation that hit pixels tend to be spatially close to each other, we introduce a scheme for dynamic thresholds. This dynamic scheme can enhance the signal efficiency without significantly increasing the occupancy. In addition to presenting a selection of empirical results, we also discuss some potential methods for implementing dynamic thresholds in a realistic readout chip for the Large Hadron Collider or other future colliders.