The Fast Read-out System for the MAPMTs of COMPASS RICH-1

TL;DR

The paper presents a high-speed, low-dead-time readout system for the COMPASS RICH-1 detector's MAPMTs, enabling efficient data acquisition at trigger rates up to 100 kHz.

Contribution

It introduces a novel, compact readout electronics system based on MAD4 preamplifiers and F1-TDC chips for high-rate photon detection in RICH detectors.

Findings

Successful data taking in 2006-2007

High-resolution, dead-time free readout achieved

System supports trigger rates up to 100 kHz

Abstract

A fast readout system for the upgrade of the COMPASS RICH detector has been developed and successfully used for data taking in 2006 and 2007. The new readout system for the multi-anode PMTs in the central part of the photon detector of the RICH is based on the high-sensitivity MAD4 preamplifier-discriminator and the dead-time free F1-TDC chip characterized by high-resolution. The readout electronics has been designed taking into account the high photon flux in the central part of the detector and the requirement to run at high trigger rates of up to 100 kHz with negligible dead-time. The system is designed as a very compact setup and is mounted directly behind the multi-anode photomultipliers. The data are digitized on the frontend boards and transferred via optical links to the readout system. The read-out electronics system is described in detail together with its measured performances.