Snowmass Instrumentation Frontier IF02 Topical Group Report: Photon Detectors

TL;DR

This report highlights recent advances and future R&D directions in photon detectors for high energy physics, focusing on single-photon counting, improved detector performance, and new technologies for neutrino experiments.

Contribution

It identifies key technological challenges and proposes focused R&D to develop advanced photon detectors with enhanced capabilities for future experiments.

Findings

Progress in single-photon counting detectors from IR to UV

Development of larger, more precise detector arrays

Transition of photon detector concepts into working prototypes

Abstract

The Photon Detectors Topical Group has identified two areas where focused R&D over the next decade could have a large impact in High Energy Physics Experiments. These areas described here are characterized by the convergence of a compelling scientific need and recent technological advances. Key messages: IF02-1 The development of detectors with the capability of counting single photons from IR to UV has been a very active area in the last decade. We now need to pursue R\&D to implement these in HEP experiments by making larger arrays, improving their energy resolution, timing, dark counts rates and extending their wavelength coverage. IF02-2 New photon detector developments are being considered for planned future neutrino experiments going beyond the current technologies. Concept demonstrations have been done, and we now need to move from a conceptual phase to working detectors. The science for generation, detection and manipulation of light is extremely fast moving and driven mainly from outside our field. The HEP community would benefit from resources dedicated to the implementation of these advanced photonic technologies in particle physics experiments.