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Computational workflow optimization for magnetic fluctuation measurements of 3D nano-tetrapods
(2021)
The detailed understanding of micro–and nanoscale structures, in particular their magnetization dynamics, dominates contemporary solid–state physics studies. Most investigations already identified an abundance of phenomena in one–and two–dimensional nanostructures. The following thesis focuses on the magnetic fingerprint of three–dimensional CoFe nano–magnets, specifically the temporal development of their hysteresis loop. These nano–magnets were grown in a tetrahedral pattern on top of a highly susceptible home–build GaAs/AlGaAs micro–Hall sensor using focused electron beam induced deposition (FEBID).
During the measurements, utmost efforts were employed to exemplify current best research practices. The data life cycle of the present thesis is based upon open–source data science tools and packages. Data acquisition and analysis required self–written automated algorithms to handle the extensive quantity of data. Existing instrumental-controlling software was improved, and new Python packages were devised to analyze and visualize the gathered data. The open–source Python data analysis framework (ana) was developed to facilitate computational reproducibility. This framework transparently analyses and visualizes the gathered data automatically using Continuous Analysis tools based on GitLab and Continuous Integration. This automatization uses bespoke scripts combined with virtualization tools like Docker to facilitate reproducible and device–independent results.
The hysteresis loops reveal distinct differences in subsequently measured loops with identical initial experimental parameters, originating from the nano–magnet’s magnetic noise. This noise amplifies in regions where switching processes occur. In such noise–prone regions, the time–dependent scrutinization reveals presumably thermally induced metastable magnetization states. The frequency–dependent power spectral density uncovers a characteristic 1/f² behavior at noise–prone regions with metastable magnetization states.
During RUN3 (2021-2023) of the Large Hadron Collider, the Time Projection Chamber (TPC) of ALICE will be operated with quadruple stacks of Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs). This technology will allow to overcome the rate limitation due to the gated operation of the Multi-Wire Proportional Chambers (MWPCs) used in RUN1 (2009-2013) and RUN2 (2015-2018).
As part of the Upgrade project, long-term irradiation tests, so called "ageing tests", have been carried out. A test setup with a detector using a quadruple stack of 10x10cm2 GEMs was built and operated in Ar-CO2 and Ne-CO2-N2 gas mixtures. The detector performance such as gas gain and energy resolution were monitored continuously. In addition, outgassing tests of materials used for the assembly process of the upgraded TPC were performed. To reach the expected dose of the GEM-based TPC, the detector was operated at much higher gains than the TPC. It was found, that the GEMs could keep their performance within the projected lifetime of the TPC. Most of the tested materials showed no negative impact on the detector. For the tested epoxy adhesive no certain conclusion could be drawn.
At much higher doses than expected for the upgraded TPC, a new phenomenon was observed, which changed the hole geometry of the GEMs and led to a degradation of the energy resolution. Even though its occurrence is not expected during the lifetime of the GEM-based TPC, simulations were carried out to study this effect more systematically. The simulations confirmed, that a change of the hole geometries of the GEMs, lead to an increase of the local gain variation, which results in a decrease of the energy resolution.
Furthermore the effect of methane as quench gas on GEMs was studied, even though this gas is not foreseen to be used in the TPC. From ageing tests with single-wire proportional counters it is well known that hydrocarbons are produced in the plasma of the avalanches, which cover the electrodes and lead to a degradation of the detector performance. Even though GEMs have a quite different geometry, the ageing tests showed, that also this technology tends to methane-induced ageing. A loss of gas gain as well as a degradation of the energy resolution due to deposits on the electrodes was monitored. A qualitative and quantitative comparison between ageing in GEMs and proportional counters was performed.