Scalable DAQ system operating the CHIPS-5 neutrino detector

TL;DR

This paper presents a scalable, low-cost data acquisition system for the CHIPS-5 neutrino detector, featuring modular design, high timing precision, and compatibility with White Rabbit synchronization, suitable for large-scale water Cherenkov detectors.

Contribution

It introduces a modular, affordable DAQ system based on mass-produced components, capable of scaling to large neutrino detectors with high timing accuracy.

Findings

Successfully passed commissioning tests demonstrating viability

Achieved time resolution of up to 0.69 ns

Compatible with White Rabbit synchronization system

Abstract

The CHIPS R&D project focuses on development of low-cost water Cherenkov neutrino detectors through novel design strategies and resourceful engineering. This work presents an end-to-end DAQ solution intended for a recent 5 kt CHIPS prototype, which is largely based on affordable mass-produced components. Much like the detector itself, the presented instrumentation is composed of modular arrays that can be scaled up and easily serviced. A single such array can carry up to 30 photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) accompanied by electronics that generate high voltage in-situ and deliver time resolution of up to 0.69 ns. In addition, the technology is compatible with the White Rabbit timing system, which can synchronize its elements to within 100 ps. While deployment issues did not permit the presented DAQ system to operate beyond initial evaluation, the presented hardware and software successfully passed numerous commissioning tests that demonstrated their viability for use in a large-scale neutrino detector, instrumented with thousands of PMTs.