Commissioning of the new multi-layer integration prototype of the CALICE tile hadron calorimeter

TL;DR

This paper reports on the development and testing of a new multi-layer prototype of a tile hadron calorimeter for the ILC, utilizing scintillating tiles, novel SiPMs, and a new DAQ system, with initial tests conducted at CERN.

Contribution

Introduction of a new multi-layer HCAL prototype with innovative architecture, SiPMs, and DAQ system, tested at CERN for the first time.

Findings

Successful initial testing at CERN PS facility

Evaluation of different tile and SiPM configurations

Integration of electromagnetic and hadronic calorimeter modules

Abstract

The basic prototype of a tile hadron calorimeter (HCAL) for the International Linear Collider (ILC) has been realised and extensively tested. A major aspect of the proposed concept is the improvement of the jet energy resolution by measuring details of the shower development and combining them with the data of the tracking system (particle flow). The prototype utilises scintillating tiles that are read out by novel Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) and takes into account all design aspects that are demanded by the intended operation at the ILC. Currently, a new 12 layer prototype with about 3400 detector channels is under development. Alternative architectures for the scintillating tiles with and without wavelength-shifting fibres and tiles with individual wrapping with reflector foil is tested as well as different types of SiPMs. The new prototype was used for the first time at the CERN Proton Synchrotron test facility in fall 2014. Additionally, detector modules for the CALICE scintillator-based Electromagnetic Calorimeter (Sc-ECAL), that follow the proposed HCAL electronics architecture, were part of this new prototype. A new multi-layer Data Acquisition System (DAQ) was used for the detector configuration and operation.