Micro-channel architecture

Tender description

The University of Manchester and the University of Oxford are UK collaborators on the LHCb experiment, which operates at CERN. An important LHCb sub-detector is the Vertex Locator (VELO) that is, like many parts of the LHCb experiment, due to be replaced and upgraded during a shut-down in 2019-2020. The VELO sub-detector comprises 52 modules each of which is instrumented with an array of particle-detecting ASIC chips. All the modules sit in vacuum so the active cooling must occur by conduction. Active cooling will be achieved by passing CO2 coolant through micro-channels embedded in the ~100cm2 substrate on which the ASIC chips are mounted. This tender is for the fabrication of the micro-channelled substrates, referred to herein as ‘devices’. The devices will be operated by flowing bi-phase CO2 though the micro-channels at pressures of 14-65 bar, and from ambient room temperature down to –30°C. The devices will be placed in vacuum in a high radiation environment and are expected to operate without rupturing for up to 10 years. This is a time and budget sensitive project. Contract start date — 1.7.2016. Contract end date — 1.2.2018. The contract is not open to other purchasers.