Ultra-Low Index and Rad-Hard Total Internal Reflection Claddings for High Numerical Aperture Scintillating, Waveshifting, Cerenkov, or Clear Optical Fibers, Capillaries, and Plates

TL;DR

This paper introduces novel low-index, rad-hard cladding films made from nanoporous alumina that significantly enhance light trapping in optical fibers and detectors for high-energy physics applications.

Contribution

It presents a new type of mechanically hard, rad-hard low-index cladding film made from nanoporous alumina, enabling improved light capture in optical fibers and detectors.

Findings

Low index films triple light capture efficiency.

Films are mechanically hard and intrinsically rad-hard.

Applications include enhanced Cerenkov light detection.

Abstract

Novel low index (n less than 1.3)/high light trapping cladding films consisting of nanoporous alumina (sapphire), as formed by controlled anodization of aluminum, are described. These films are mechanically hard, intrinsically very rad-hard, and have an index of refraction n sufficiently small to triple the light capture of waveshifting or scintillating fibers and transparent plastic, glass or quartz core fibers. The low indices enable light-piping of water Cerenkov light. Applications are in Energy, Intensity, and Cosmic/Astroparticle detectors.