N-XYTER, a CMOS read-out ASIC for high resolution time and amplitude measurements on high rate multi-channel counting mode neutron detectors

We present an evaluative front-end realization of N-XYTER, the first data-driven ASIC dedicated to high rate imaging neutron detection. This ASIC development supplements the development of a suite of solid converter based neutron detectors within the EU-FP6 NMI3 project DETNI. They target future high intensity research applications at modern neutron sources. The neutron detectors under development, one of which being a silicon strip detector, will be able to perform 2D imaging with simultaneous time-of-flight measurement at neutron detection rates of up to 100 MHz. The ASIC realized in 0.35 μm CMOS technology has a 50 μm inter-channel pitch and is capable of both time and amplitude measurement of arbitrary polarity charge-pulses delivered by the detectors. Design and experimental characterization of this ASIC are presented.