This thesis explores Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs), which are solid-state devices for photon timing and counting, and concentrates on SPADs integrated in nano-scale CMOS. The thesis focuses on: the search for new theory regarding Geiger-mode operation; proving the utility of calibrated Technology Computer- Aided Design (TCAD) tools for accurately simulating SPADs for the first time; the investigation of how manufacture influences device operation; and the integration of high performance SPADs into CMOS which rival discrete devices. The accepted theories of SPAD operation are revisited and it is discovered that previously neglected minority carriers have many significant roles such as determining: after-pulsing, Dark Count Rate (DCR), bipolar “SPAD latch-up,” nonequilibrium DCR, and “quenching”. The “quenching” process is revisited and it is concluded that it is the “probability time” of ≈100-200ps, and not the previously thought latching current that is important. SPADs are also found to have transient negative differential resistance. The new theories of SPADs are also supported by steady-state 1D, 2D and 3D TCAD simulations as well as novel transient simulations and videos. It is demonstrated as possible to simulate DCR, Photon Detection Efficiency (PDE), guard ring performance, breakdown voltage, breakdown voltage variation, “quenching,” and transient operation of SPADs with great accuracy. The manufacture of SPADs is studied focusing on the operation and optimisation of guard rings and it is found that ion implantation induced asymmetry from the tilt and rotation/twist is critical. Where symmetric, guard rings fail first along the <100> directions due to enhanced mobility. Process integration rules are outlined for obtaining high performance SPADs in CMOS while maintaining compatibility with transistors. The minimisation of tunnelling with lightly-doped junctions and the reduction of ion implantation induced defects by additional annealing are found essential for achieving low DCR. The thesis demonstrates that it is possible to realise high performance SPADs in CMOS through the innovation of a “Deep SPAD” which achieves record PDE of ≈72% at 560nm with >40% PDE from 410-760nm, combined with 18Hz DCR, <60ps FWHM timing resolution, and <4% after-pulsing which is demonstrated to have potential for significant further improvement. The findings suggest that CMOS SPAD-based micro-systems could outperform existing photon timing and counting solutions in the future.

<p>The study of high power fusion plasmas at the JET tokamak has been further enhanced through the development of instrumentation for neutron emission spectroscopy (NES) measurements. This has involved the upgrade of the magnetic proton recoil (MPR) spectrometer used for deuterium-tritium plasmas earlier so that the MPRu can now be also employed for deuterium (D) plasmas. A neutron time-of-flight (TOF) spectrometer designed for optimized rate (TOFOR) has been constructed and put into operation. The MPRu and TOFOR spectrometers were carried out as part of the JET enhanced performance program and represent the most advanced instrumentation for NES diagnosis of both D and DT tokamak plasmas setting a central platform for R&D direct to the next step in fusion research to be carried out with ITER.</p><p>The MPRu work presented in this thesis concerns the development of a new focal plane detector based on the phoswich scintillator technique. The main objective of this sub-project was to increase the signal-to-background ratio to permit measurement of the 2.5-MeV neutron emission from d+d-->3He+n reactions and, hence, allow NES diagnosis of D plasmas. The objective was achieved as demonstrated in preliminary measurements at JET. </p><p>The development of TOFOR from concept to construction is presented in the thesis including, in particular, the commissioning of the instrument at JET. The objective of the TOFOR project was to achieve the same high performance in the NES diagnosis of D plasmas as had earlier been demonstrated by the MPR for DT plasmas. TOFOR has been used in the first plasma physics experiments reported in this thesis. These demonstrate that the performance objectives have been achieved as tested, in particular, in the observation of auxiliary heating effects on velocity distribution of the deuterium population.</p>

The study of high power fusion plasmas at the JET tokamak has been further enhanced through the development of instrumentation for neutron emission spectroscopy (NES) measurements. This has involved the upgrade of the magnetic proton recoil (MPR) spectrometer used for deuterium-tritium plasmas earlier so that the MPRu can now be also employed for deuterium (D) plasmas. A neutron time-of-flight (TOF) spectrometer designed for optimized rate (TOFOR) has been constructed and put into operation. The MPRu and TOFOR spectrometers were carried out as part of the JET enhanced performance program and represent the most advanced instrumentation for NES diagnosis of both D and DT tokamak plasmas setting a central platform for R&amp;D direct to the next step in fusion research to be carried out with ITER. The MPRu work presented in this thesis concerns the development of a new focal plane detector based on the phoswich scintillator technique. The main objective of this sub-project was to increase the signal-to-background ratio to permit measurement of the 2.5-MeV neutron emission from d+d--&gt;3He+n reactions and, hence, allow NES diagnosis of D plasmas. The objective was achieved as demonstrated in preliminary measurements at JET. The development of TOFOR from concept to construction is presented in the thesis including, in particular, the commissioning of the instrument at JET. The objective of the TOFOR project was to achieve the same high performance in the NES diagnosis of D plasmas as had earlier been demonstrated by the MPR for DT plasmas. TOFOR has been used in the first plasma physics experiments reported in this thesis. These demonstrate that the performance objectives have been achieved as tested, in particular, in the observation of auxiliary heating effects on velocity distribution of the deuterium population.

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Après l’accident de la centrale de Tchernobyl, environ 800 tranchées peu profondes ont été creusées dans la zone d’exclusion afin d’y enfouir des déchets radioactifs. Cependant, ces tranchées, construites dans des sables éoliens, ne constituent pas une barrière efficace contre la migration des radionucléides dans l’aquifère superficiel. La tranchée T22 sert de support pour étudier des questions générales : quelles sont les incertitudes sur le volume et l’activité des déchets contaminés, et sur la qualité des eaux en aval ?Les estimations antérieures de l’inventaire de la tranchée supposent linéaire la corrélation entre l’activité spécifique mesurée sur des échantillons de sol et le taux de comptage gamma in situ. Des simulations géostatistiques sont utilisées pour étudier cette corrélation, et sa sensibilité à la variabilité spatiale de l'activité ainsi qu'au milieu environnant. Si la corrélation peut effectivement être supposée linéaire, l'étude des données d’une campagne de terrain menée en septembre 2015 montre qu'il est préférable de cokriger l'activité par le comptage radiométrique plutôt que de transformer les données de comptage.L’inventaire en 137Cs présent dans la tranchée en 1999 est révisé ici puis comparé à une estimation antérieure. La profondeur de la tranchée est interpolée en utilisant conjointement les résultats de profils géoradar, et des données de sondages radiométriques forés dans la tranchée. Les résultats de cette nouvelle analyse géostatistique, complétée par des simulations, ont permis de quantifier l’incertitude sur le stock de 137Cs dans la tranchée.Enfin, un modèle hydrogéologique 2D non saturé est construit afin d’évaluer l’effet de la variabilité spatiale du terme source sur le panache de 90Sr généré par la tranchée T22. Ce modèle simule par ailleurs le battement de la nappe qui pourrait expliquer les différences observées entre les modèles antérieurs et les observations. Une analyse de sensibilité est conduite en dernier lieu afin d’évaluer l’influence des différents paramètres d’écoulement et de transport sur les chroniques de concentrations en 90Sr simulées au cours du temps. / Following the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, about 800 shallow trenches were dug to bury radioactive waste in the exclusion zone. However, these trenches were built in permeable aeolian sand and do not prevent the migration of radionuclides in the superficial aquifer. Trench T22 allows us to explore general research problems such as the uncertainty linked to the volume and the activity of radioactive waste, and to the water quality in groundwater downstream the trench.Previous estimations of the trench inventory assume that the correlation between specific activity measured in soil samples and in situ count rate is linear. Geostatistical simulations are used to analyze this correlation and its sensitivity to the activity spatial variability and to its surrounding environment. If the correlation can be considered as linear, the study of field measurements undertaken in 2015 demonstrates that it is better to apply cokriging to estimate the activity by the count rate rather than transforming the count rate data.The inventory of 137Cs calculated for 1999 is then compared to a previous estimation. The trench boundaries are interpolated using the results of ground penetrating radar profiles and gamma logging carried on boreholes drilled into the trench. The new estimation is completed by geostatistical simulations and enables us to quantify the uncertainty of 137Cs trench inventory.Finally, the effect of the source term spatial variability is explored with the 90Sr migration modeling. The previous 90Sr transport model did not take into account the water table fluctuations which may cause some discrepancies between model predictions and field observations. They are thus reproduced in a 2D non saturated model. A sensitivity analysis on the flow and transport parameters as well as the source term variability is undertaken.