Diamondpix: a CVD diamond detector with Timepix3 chip interface

A pixelated 2D detector combining Chemical Vapor Deposited (CVD) diamond and the Timepix3 chip (“Diamondpix”) is presented. Its conceptual design with a brief description of the Timepix3 chip acquisition modes is outlined. The performance has been tested with fluorescence X-rays, fast neutrons and an electron beam. A first energy calibration has been obtained with X-rays and compared with an equivalent silicon Timepix3 detector. Measurements on fast neutrons and other radioactive source demonstrated a good gamma/neutron rejection capability. Moreover, Diamondpix has been exposed to a beam of ultra-relativistic electrons showing that it can act as a very powerful monitor of beam position, measuring simultaneously the charge released inside the detector and the time of arrival of the particles by reconstructing the time profile of the beam bunches. Finally, high intensity measurements show some delayed signals probably related to the trap defects inside the diamond. A first study of their spatial distribution correlated to the measurements of the charge released inside the diamond and time of arrival is also discussed.