A fast CCD vertex detector for the future linear collider: some recent developments

Experiments at a future e+e− linear collider will require a high-performance vertex detector to identify heavy quarks in multi-jet final states. The SLD experiment at SLAC has successfully demonstrated that charge-coupled devices (CCDs) are ideal candidates for this role, offering excellent two-dimensional spatial resolution with extremely low mass.This paper discusses recent R&D studies aimed at further reducing the vertex detector material budget and significantly increasing the CCD readout speed, in order to extend the physics reach of the future linear collider. A radical new CCD architecture is described, which would enable a CCD-based vertex detector to be used in the extremely challenging environment of the superconducting TESLA collider.