Abstract
In this article, we discuss the results from the irradiation of InP-based Mach-Zehnder
modulators (MZ) with a 24GeV/c proton beam at CERN up to various doses. The
irradiated samples are characterized and compared against non-irradiated devices.
The modulators are investigated for use in the Large Hadron Collider at CERN where
two high energetic proton beams collide to study particle physics. The smaller particles
generated in these collisions are detected by huge particle detectors with tens of
millions of readout channels. The particle detectors communicate to the control room
on multiple Gbps links amounting to several Tbps for the whole detector. These data
rates are growing as experiments progress to higher beam collision rates. Optical
conversion of the electrical data is desired at the innermost parts of the detector,
compared to the present scenario where it takes place after a few meters.
The detectors operate in a high radiation environment and particles passing through
the circuits alter the properties of the circuits giving rise to performance issues. Optical
data transmission by external modulation of a continuous wave laser is being explored
as a possible solution.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 17th Annual Symposium of the IEEE Photonics Benelux Chapter, 29-30 Novembre 2012, Mons, Belgium |
| Editors | M Wuilpart, C Caucheteur, M Mura |
| Place of Publication | Piscataway |
| Publisher | Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers |
| Pages | 291-294 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-2-8052-0184-4 |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |