Quartz Cherenkov Counters for Fast Timing: QUARTIC

TL;DR

This paper introduces quartz Cherenkov detectors with MCP-PMTs or SiPMs achieving 10-15 ps timing precision, suitable for high-energy physics experiments near intense beams, emphasizing their design, radiation hardness, and testing results.

Contribution

It presents a novel design and testing of quartz Cherenkov counters for fast timing in high-radiation environments, advancing detector technology for particle physics.

Findings

Achieved timing resolution of about 10-15 ps.

Demonstrated radiation hardness and edgeless design.

Validated detector configurations with inclined and L-shaped quartz bars.

Abstract

We have developed particle detectors based on fused silica (quartz) Cherenkov radiators read out with micro-channel plate photomultipliers (MCP-PMTs) or silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) for high precision timing (Sigma(t) about 10-15 ps). One application is to measure the times of small angle protons from exclusive reactions, e.g. p + p - p + H + p, at the Large Hadron Collider, LHC. They may also be used to measure directional particle fluxes close to external or stored beams. The detectors have small areas (square cm), but need to be active very close (a few mm) to the intense LHC beam, and so must be radiation hard and nearly edgeless. We present results of tests of detectors with quartz bars inclined at the Cherenkov angle, and with bars in the form of an "L" (with a 90 degree corner). We also describe a possible design for a fast timing hodoscope with elements of a few square mm.