Detector Challenges of the strong-field QED experiment LUXE at the European XFEL

TL;DR

The LUXE experiment at European XFEL aims to explore high-field QED phenomena using advanced detectors to measure electron, positron, and photon spectra amid high radiation backgrounds, with preparations underway for 2025/2026.

Contribution

This paper details the detector challenges and solutions for the LUXE experiment, including recent tests of detectors under simulated conditions.

Findings

Successful testing of Cherenkov detectors and EM calorimeter at DESY

Detector layout optimized for high radiation environments

Preparation of technical design report underway

Abstract

The LUXE experiment aims at studying high-field QED in electron-laser and photon-laser interactions, with the 16.5 GeV electron beam of the European XFEL and a laser beam with power of up to 350 TW. The experiment will measure the spectra of electrons, positrons and photons in the expected range of ${10}^{-3}$ to ${10}^9$ per 1 Hz bunch crossing, depending on the laser power and focus. These measurements have to be performed in the presence of low-energy high radiation-background. To meet these challenges, for high-rate electron and photon fluxes, the experiment will use Cherenkov radiation detectors, scintillator screens, sapphire sensors as well as lead-glass monitors for backscattering off the beam-dump. A four-layer silicon-pixel tracker and a compact electromagnetic tungsten calorimeter with GaAs sensors will be used to measure the positron spectra. The layout of the experiment and the expected performance under the harsh radiation conditions, together with the test of the Cherenkov detector and the electromagnetic (EM) calorimeter performed recently at DESY, are presented. The experiment received a stage 0 critical approval (CD0) from the DESY management and is in the process of preparing its technical design report (TDR). It is expected to start running in 2025/2026.