# The GlueX Start Counter Detector

## TL;DR

The paper details the design, construction, and performance evaluation of the GlueX Start Counter detector, which features high-rate capability, precise timing, and effective background rejection for particle physics experiments.

## Contribution

It introduces a novel scintillator array with silicon photomultiplier sensors optimized for high-rate operation and integration into the GlueX experiment's trigger system.

## Key findings

- Achieved timing resolution of 500-825 ps (FWHM).
- Operates effectively at rates up to 9 MHz.
- Provides excellent solid angle coverage and background rejection.

## Abstract

The design, simulation, fabrication, calibration, and performance of the GlueX Start Counter detector is described. The Start Counter was designed to operate at integrated rates of up to 9 MHz with a timing resolution in the range of 500 to 825 ps (FWHM). The Start Counter provides excellent solid angle coverage, a high degree of segmentation for background rejection, and can be utilized in the level 1 trigger for the experiment. It consists of a cylindrical array of 30 thin scintillators with pointed ends that bend towards the beam line at the downstream end. Magnetic field insensitive silicon photomultiplier detectors were used as the light sensors.