6–10 Jul 2026
University of the Western Cape
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
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Effect of Coating Thickness on Proton Radiation Sensitivity for Titanium-Oxide Coated Novel Fiber Optic Sensors

8 Jul 2026, 14:50
20m
Lecture Hall GH2 (University of the Western Cape)

Lecture Hall GH2

University of the Western Cape

Oral Presentation Track B - Nuclear, Particle and Radiation Physics Nuclear, Particle and Radiation Physics -1

Speakers

Abdool Sattar Cassim (University of Johannesburg) Emmanuel Igumbor (University of Johannesburg) Samuel Temaugee (University of Johannesburg) Timothy Brooks (University of Johannesburg)

Description

The design of the ATLAS Inner Tracker (ITk), which will replace the Inner Detector of ATLAS at CERN, is nearly complete. Following the long shutdown after Run 3, this crucial component for the High-Luminosity era will be installed. However, reliable environmental monitoring tools are required to measure temperature and humidity, ensuring consistent data quality throughout the lifespan of the ITk. This need is addressed through the use of novel titanium oxide (TiO$_2$)-coated Long Period Grating (LPG) sensors, which are currently in full production. In this study, the relationship between coating thickness and LPG sensitivity to both radiation and humidity is investigated. The resulting sensitivity measurements can be used to optimise coating thickness for sensor applications in high radiation environments, including nuclear industries and space exploration. In particular, the results are used to optimise thickness and optimal sensor placement for LPGs being used within the ITk, specifically: ten-layer sensors are recommended for lower-radiation regions, while eight-layer sensors are better suited for higher-radiation areas.

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Authors

Abdool Sattar Cassim (University of Johannesburg) Daniel Madyira (University of Johannesburg)

Co-authors

Doomnull Unwuchola Emmanuel Igumbor (University of Johannesburg) Loan Truong (University Of Johannesburg) Mr Matthew Peter Connell (University of Johannesburg) Samuel Temaugee (University of Johannesburg) Simon Connell (University of Johannesburg) Timothy Brooks (University of Johannesburg) Xola Mapekula (University of Johannesburg)

Presentation materials