Small FDIRC Designs

TL;DR

This paper investigates the angular resolution limits of small FDIRC detectors using highly pixelated sensors and simple timing corrections, offering a pixel-based analysis that differs from other time-dependent methods.

Contribution

It introduces a pixel-based analysis approach for small FDIRC designs utilizing new detectors and simple timing corrections, contrasting with other modern DIRC concepts.

Findings

Excellent single photon resolution achieved

Geometry with coupled bars and lens is effective

Timing resolution of 100-200ps suffices

Abstract

In this article we explore the angular resolution limits attainable in small FDIRC designs taking advantage of the new highly pixelated detectors that are now available. Since the basic FDIRC design concept attains its particle separation performance mostly in the angular domain as measured by two-dimensional pixels, this paper relies primarily on a pixel-based analysis, with additional chromatic corrections using the time domain, requiring single photon timing resolution at a level of 100-200ps only. This approach differs from other modern DIRC design concepts such as TOP or TORCH detectors, whose separation performances rely more strongly on time-dependent analyses. We find excellent single photon resolution with a geometry where individual bars are coupled to a single plate, which is coupled in turn to a cylindrical lens focusing camera.