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R&D Efforts in Cherenkov Imaging Technologies for Particle Identification in Future Experiments

Chandradoy Chatterjee

TL;DR

The paper addresses the challenge of achieving robust particle identification over wide momentum ranges in future experiments by leveraging Cherenkov imaging with enhanced timing. It surveys coordinated R&D across ALICE-3, LHCb upgrades, PANDA, and ePIC, focusing on sensor technologies (SiPM, MCP-PMT, LAPPD/HRPPD), radiator materials (aerogel, C$_2$F$_6$ gas, alternative gases), and timing-based readouts to push PID performance. Key contributions include beam-test demonstrations of sub-20 ps timing with multi-photon Cherenkov detection, sub-100 ps single-photon timing in DIRC implementations, and the integration of timing gates and advanced optics to mitigate backgrounds and chromatic effects. The findings highlight the practical impact of high-precision timing Cherenkov detectors on PID capabilities, while emphasizing cross-experiment synergy to optimize sensor choices and radiation-tolerance strategies for future facilities.

Abstract

Cherenkov imaging detectors will continue to play a central role for particle identification in future particle and nuclear physics experiments. Growing demands on momentum coverage, timing precision, radiation tolerance, and sustainability have driven extensive R&D in detector concepts, radiator materials, and photon sensors. This article reviews recent efforts, focusing on experiments leading advances in sensor technology, radiator materials, and the exploitation of Cherenkov photon timing to push PID limits, while highlighting synergies across experiments in addressing common challenges.

R&D Efforts in Cherenkov Imaging Technologies for Particle Identification in Future Experiments

TL;DR

The paper addresses the challenge of achieving robust particle identification over wide momentum ranges in future experiments by leveraging Cherenkov imaging with enhanced timing. It surveys coordinated R&D across ALICE-3, LHCb upgrades, PANDA, and ePIC, focusing on sensor technologies (SiPM, MCP-PMT, LAPPD/HRPPD), radiator materials (aerogel, CF gas, alternative gases), and timing-based readouts to push PID performance. Key contributions include beam-test demonstrations of sub-20 ps timing with multi-photon Cherenkov detection, sub-100 ps single-photon timing in DIRC implementations, and the integration of timing gates and advanced optics to mitigate backgrounds and chromatic effects. The findings highlight the practical impact of high-precision timing Cherenkov detectors on PID capabilities, while emphasizing cross-experiment synergy to optimize sensor choices and radiation-tolerance strategies for future facilities.

Abstract

Cherenkov imaging detectors will continue to play a central role for particle identification in future particle and nuclear physics experiments. Growing demands on momentum coverage, timing precision, radiation tolerance, and sustainability have driven extensive R&D in detector concepts, radiator materials, and photon sensors. This article reviews recent efforts, focusing on experiments leading advances in sensor technology, radiator materials, and the exploitation of Cherenkov photon timing to push PID limits, while highlighting synergies across experiments in addressing common challenges.
Paper Structure (12 sections, 4 figures, 1 table)

This paper contains 12 sections, 4 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Use of PID in upgraded LHC experiments:
  3. ALICE-3 upgrade
  4. LHCb upgrade
  5. TORCH
  6. DIRC detectors at PANDA:
  7. Use of PID at the ePIC experiment in EIC:
  8. The dual-Radiator RICH:
  9. A high-performance DIRC:
  10. A Proximity-focusing RICH:
  11. Other relevant R&D activities related to Cherenkov imaging:
  12. Conclusion and Acknowledgment

Figures (4)

  • Figure 1: Highlights of beam test with SiPM based proximity focusing RICH for ALICE3 upgrade: (a) and (b) Setup for the beam test measurements, (c) Impact of the 5 ns time gating to reduce background.
  • Figure 2: Highlights of R&D activities related PID systems of LHCb: (a) impact of time gating in background rejection, (b) coupling of new ASIC into photsensors, (c) motivation for searching for green-sensors to reduce chromatic dispersion, (d) and (e) beam test studies with standard MaPMT, SiPM and LAPPD, and (f) scheme for optimization of the RICH optics.
  • Figure 3: PANDA barrel DIRC R&D highlights: (a) realistic model of the PANDA barrel DIRC with operation principal (bottom), (b) impact of ALD coating and MCP lifetime, (c) and (d) the focusing components during beam test, event display and performance validation.
  • Figure 4: ePIC PID R&D highlights: (a) PID sub-detector systems, (b) and (c) arrangements of SiPM sensors in beam test, (d) test bench for HRPPD validation, (e) measured quantum efficiency ($\sim$30%) of HRPPD in test benches, (f) measurement at CERN: LAPPD/HRPPD performance in magnetic field.