Scholar iON
Academic Synthesis
The scholarly papers under consideration explore distinct yet interconnected fields of mathematical modeling and applied physics, particularly the development of technology and methodologies for scientific investigation. The first paper by Nakazawa et al. delves into the design and performance evaluation of a prototype analog front-end compatible with both negative-ion and dual-phase liquid argon TPCs, which are crucial for advanced studies in dark matter detection and neutrino physics. This research highlights the technological challenges and innovative solutions in electronic readout systems, emphasizing the necessity for wide dynamic range and low noise levels in such detectors. Meanwhile, the second paper by Erban et al. provides a foundational guide to stochastic simulation techniques for reaction-diffusion processes, offering a comprehensive introduction to methods such as the Gillespie algorithm and their applications in bridging stochastic and deterministic models. Together, these works underscore the ongoing advancements in precision instrumentation and computational modeling, which are vital for enhancing our understanding of complex physical phenomena.
We report on the recent development of a versatile analog front-end compatible with a negative-ion $μ$-TPC for a directional dark matter search as well as a dual-phase, next-generation $\mathcal{O}$(10~kt) liquid argon TPC to study neutrino oscillations, nucleon decay, and astrophysical neutrinos. Although the operating conditions for negative-ion and liquid argon TPCs are quite different (room temperature \textit{vs.} $\sim$88~K operation, respectively), the readout electronics requirements are similar. Both require a wide-dynamic range up to 1600 fC, and less than 2000--5000 e$^-$ noise for a typical signal of 80 fC with a detector capacitance of $C_{\rm det} \approx 300$~pF. In order to fulfill such challenging requirements, a prototype ASIC was newly designed using 180-nm CMOS technology. Here, we report on the performance of this ASIC, including measurements of shaping time, dynamic range, and equivalent noise charge (ENC). We also demonstrate the first operation of this ASIC on a low-pressure negative-ion $μ$-TPC.
A practical introduction to stochastic modelling of reaction-diffusion processes is presented. No prior knowledge of stochastic simulations is assumed. The methods are explained using illustrative examples. The article starts with the classical Gillespie algorithm for the stochastic modelling of chemical reactions. Then stochastic algorithms for modelling molecular diffusion are given. Finally, basic stochastic reaction-diffusion methods are presented. The connections between stochastic simulations and deterministic models are explained and basic mathematical tools (e.g. chemical master equation) are presented. The article concludes with an overview of more advanced methods and problems.