Scientists have developed a groundbreaking camera system that can track invisible particles in 3D, marking a significant leap in particle physics detection. This innovative approach, led by researchers at ETH Zurich and EPFL, combines advanced camera technology with a novel detector design, offering a more efficient and cost-effective solution compared to traditional segmented detectors. The key to this success lies in the utilization of light field cameras, which capture not just the intensity of light but also its direction, enabling 3D reconstruction. By pairing these cameras with single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array sensors, the system can detect individual photons and reconstruct particle tracks even in low-light conditions. The PLATON project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, has resulted in a proof-of-concept detector that combines a micro-lens array with a SPAD imaging sensor, demonstrating exceptional spatial resolution and sensitivity. This technology has the potential to revolutionize particle physics experiments, particularly in the detection of weakly interacting particles like neutrinos and certain dark matter candidates, without the need for complex and expensive segmented detectors. Furthermore, the system's ability to reconstruct faint light signals in 3D opens up exciting possibilities for medical imaging, such as positron emission tomography (PET), showcasing the far-reaching impact of this research.
