IDeF-X HD: a CMOS ASIC for the readout of Cd(Zn)Te Detectors for space-borne applications

TL;DR

IDeF-X HD is a space-qualified, low-power CMOS ASIC designed for high-resolution gamma-ray detection using CdTe/CdZnTe detectors, demonstrating excellent energy resolution, low noise, and radiation tolerance suitable for astrophysics applications.

Contribution

The paper introduces IDeF-X HD, a novel 32-channel ASIC optimized for space-borne gamma-ray detectors, with enhanced performance, radiation hardness, and suitability for astrophysics missions.

Findings

Achieved 4.2 keV FWHM energy resolution at 667 keV

Demonstrated radiation tolerance up to 200 krad

Successfully operated in space environment on Solar Orbiter

Abstract

IDeF-X HD is a 32-channel analog front-end with self-triggering capability optimized for the readout of 16 x 16 pixels CdTe or CdZnTe pixelated detectors to build low power micro gamma camera. IDeF-X HD has been designed in the standard AMS CMOS 0.35 microns process technology. Its power consumption is 800 micro watt per channel. The dynamic range of the ASIC can be extended to 1.1 MeV thanks to the in-channel adjustable gain stage. When no detector is connected to the chip and without input current, a 33 electrons rms ENC level is achieved after shaping with 10.7 micro seconds peak time. Spectroscopy measurements have been performed with CdTe Schottky detectors. We measured an energy resolution of 4.2 keV FWHM at 667 keV (137-Cs) on a mono-pixel configuration. Meanwhile, we also measured 562 eV and 666 eV FWHM at 14 keV and 60 keV respectively (241-Am) with a 256 small pixel array and a low detection threshold of 1.2 keV. Since IDeF-X HD is intended for space-borne applications in astrophysics, we evaluated its radiation tolerance and its sensitivity to single event effects. We demonstrated that the ASIC remained fully functional without significant degradation of its performances after 200 krad and that no single event latch-up was detected putting the Linear Energy Transfer threshold above 110 MeV/(mg/cm2). Good noise performance and radiation tolerance make the chip well suited for X-rays energy discrimination and high-energy resolution. The chip is space qualified and flies on board the Solar Orbiter ESA mission launched in 2020.