Studies of the Modular COsmic Ray Detector (MCORD) using an automatic temperature control loop to maintain constant gain parameters of semiconductor SiPM photomultipliers

TL;DR

This paper evaluates temperature control strategies for the MCORD cosmic ray detector, focusing on SiPM gain stability, and presents recent electronics and software improvements for enhanced performance.

Contribution

It introduces and compares automatic temperature compensation loops to improve SiPM gain stability in the MCORD detector system.

Findings

Optimal temperature control configuration identified for MCORD operations.

Controlled laboratory tests demonstrate improved SiPM gain stability.

Recent electronics and software modifications enhance detector performance.

Abstract

The MCORD detector is a modular scintillator-based system employing silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) and FPGA-based digital signal processing, designed for applications such as cosmic muon detection, veto systems, and detector calibration support. In this work, we investigate the influence of ambient temperature variations on detector performance, with particular emphasis on SiPM gain stability. Several automatic temperature compensation loops were implemented to stabilize the operating voltage of the sensors. Based on controlled laboratory measurements, we evaluate the effectiveness of different control strategies, including variations in temperature averaging time and threshold response criteria. The performance of each approach is compared in terms of gain stability and response dynamics. We identify the optimal temperature control configuration for planned MCORD measurements and present recent modifications to the detector electronics, including updated software for AFE control. Additionally, we describe modifications made to the detectors electronics since the previous publication, including new software developed to control the AFE electronics.