We didn't have much time left at the end of the afternoon to discuss the possible use of diamond sensors to extend the longevity of the pixel modules, especially in the in the B-layer. As was discussed several times throughout the day the B-layer has several additional design requirements and these modules/electronics/sensors could probably be provided later in the production cycle.
William showed a few transparencies from a talk on recent progress made with diamond pixel detector prototypes. A paper on this same work has recently been submitted to NIM. The RD42 collaboration plans to assemble as many as 10 single chip pixel detector assemblies with ATLAS electronics (along with an additional half-dozen with pixel readout electronics from other pixel detector projects) during 1999. These will be tested later this year or early in 2000. The clear goal is to demonstrate fully functional prototypes that would satisfy the specifications necessary for use in the ATLAS B-layer with the additional radiation tolerance of the diamond material.
The US Pixel collaborators will be taking a hard look at possible involvement (not currently approved by the DOE) in the assembly of the B-layer over the coming 12 months. Their interest may also be in diamonds but could also take the form of design modifications to the readout chips to accomodate the higher occupancies experienced by the B-layer.
The Canadian groups see this as a possible place to get involved two (or more) years down the road after the current financial crisis in Ottawa has a chance to settle down. In the meantime Canadian groups must establish themselves as viable collaborators on the baseline pixel project if they want to play a major role in the glamorous B-layer production.
For more information on the status of Diamond Pixel detector prototyping please feel free to contact william@physics.utoronto.ca.