Characterization and performance studies of high-voltage CMOS based pixel sensors

The high luminosity upgrade of the LHC will push the limits for detectors, specially the silicon trackers which are closest to the interaction point. The ATLAS CMOS Sensor R&D efort is investigating a new technology using high-voltage CMOS processes for producing pixel and strip sensors. In contrast to the currently used technology these devices implement active electronics on the sensor itself, offering a multitude of tuning parameters for achieving the best performance. My summer project revolved around characterising existing samples along with assembling and debugging hardware required for their improvement and functionality. Other tasks involved writing communication protocols using pyBAR to remotely control injection circuitry on a GPAC card, and helping various members of the group with data collection and analysis. Through the summer student programme I have had the opportunity to be part of a vibrant scientic community at the forefront of research, to create bonds with fellow students from universities across the world and to further my understanding in particle physics.