HRPPD photosensors for RICH detectors with a high resolution timing capability

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new high-resolution, fast timing photosensor based on MCP technology, designed for RICH detectors at the Electron-Ion Collider, with promising performance metrics including high quantum efficiency and excellent timing resolution.

Contribution

The paper presents a redesigned DC-HRPPD photosensor with enhanced timing and efficiency features tailored for high-energy physics applications at the EIC.

Findings

Timing resolution of 15-20 ps for single photons

Peak quantum efficiency exceeds 30%

Low dark count rates

Abstract

Recently, a new version of DC-coupled High Rate Picosecond Photodetectors (DC-HRPPDs) substantially re-designed for use at the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) has been developed. A first batch of seven 'EIC HRPPDs' was manufactured in early 2024. These HRPPDs are DC-coupled photosensors based on Micro-Channel Plates (MCPs) that have an active area of 104 mm by 104 mm, 32 x 32 direct readout pixel array at a pitch of 3.25 mm, peak quantum efficiency in excess of 30%, exceptionally low dark count rates and timing resolution of 15-20 ps for a single photon detection. As such, these photosensors are very well suited for Ring Imaging CHerenkov (RICH) detectors that can also provide high resolution timing capability, especially in a configuration where a detected charged particle passes through the sensor window, which produces a localized flash containing a few dozens of Cherenkov photons in it.