Performance studies on new 4" photomultiplier types intended for IceCube-Gen2 optical modules

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the performance of two new 4-inch photomultiplier tube models from Hamamatsu and North Night Vision Technology, designed for IceCube-Gen2 optical modules, confirming they meet the required specifications.

Contribution

It provides the first comprehensive performance measurements of the new PMT models for IceCube-Gen2, aiding in vendor selection and deployment decisions.

Findings

Both PMT models meet IceCube-Gen2 performance specifications.

Performance characteristics include temporal resolution, detection efficiency, and dark noise.

Prototype modules will be tested in situ during the IceCube Upgrade.

Abstract

In the upcoming IceCube-Gen2 extension, the newly developed optical modules will include 4-inch PMTs. For this purpose, the manufacturers Hamamatsu and North Night Vision Technology have developed new PMT models to meet the requirements of the IceCube-Gen2 science case. The specifications include strict requirements on temporal resolution, detection efficiency, and dark noise. We summarize the efforts to measure these performance characteristics and show that both PMT models meet the performance specifications set by IceCube-Gen2. Prototype optical modules based on both PMT models will be deployed with the IceCube Upgrade in order to test them in situ and help decide on a vendor for the Gen2 extension.