Ion Irradiation of GridPix Detector at Bonn Isochronous Cyclotron

Abstract

The potential successor of the IXPE --- the EXPO or Enhanced X-ray Polarimetry Observatory will have a new X-ray polarimeter based on GridPix technology. To certify this detector for operation within the expected radiation environment conditions, the irradiation tests were performed at the Bonn Isochronous Cyclotron at HISKPabbreviation\footnote{ stands for Helmholtz-Institut für Strahlen- und Kernphysik or Helmholz Institute for Radiation and Nuclear Physics}, University of Bonn. Two beam modes were used --- proton beam at 14\,MeV and 100\,MeV $^{14}\mathrm{N}^{5+}$ ions. The aforementioned GridPix detector contains the readout ASIC, Timepix, with $256\times256$ pixel grid with a pitch of \SI{55}{\micro\meter} and covered with a protection layer. The Al grid stands on the SU8 pillars above pixels forming the amplification stage. The alignment of grid holes and silicon pixels enable primary electron detection. This paper focuses on the description and results of these testbeams. The accumulated ion rates exceed by far the expected limits without a significant deterioration in chip performance.