An ultrafast plenoptic-camera system for high-resolution 3D particle tracking in unsegmented scintillators

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel ultrafast plenoptic-camera system that achieves high-resolution 3D particle tracking in unsegmented scintillators, significantly advancing particle detection technology with potential applications in neutrino detection and medical imaging.

Contribution

The paper presents a new approach combining plenoptic systems and single-photon sensors for ultrafast 3D imaging in large unsegmented scintillators, reducing complexity and cost.

Findings

Achieved 200 micrometre spatial resolution in neutrino detection

Demonstrated full event reconstruction using plenoptic camera

Enabled 3D imaging in large scintillator volumes

Abstract

Neutrino detectors, particle calorimeters and some dark matter detectors require dense and massive active materials. An extremely fine segmentation is desirable to achieve precise three-dimensional particle tracking. However, such systems introduce significant challenges in construction and demand a large number of readout electronics channels, leading to extremely high costs. In this article, we propose an alternative approach to elementary particle detection that enables ultrafast three-dimensional high-resolution imaging in large volumes of unsegmented scintillator. Enabling technologies are plenoptic systems and time-resolving single-photon avalanche diode array imaging sensors. Together, they enabled us, using a plenoptic camera, to reconstruct the origin of single photons in the scintillator. A case study focused on neutrino detection demonstrates full event reconstruction with a spatial resolution of two hundred micrometres. This work paves the way for a class of particle detectors whose capabilities should be further enhanced through future developments and expanded to Cherenkov light detection, medical imaging and neutron detection.