Towards a Reflective PICOSEC detector?

TL;DR

PICOSEC is an ultrafast particle detector using Cherenkov radiation and gas avalanche multiplication, with new configurations aiming to improve robustness and performance at various pressures.

Contribution

The paper proposes different detector configurations with reflective photocathodes to enhance PICOSEC's robustness and operational versatility.

Findings

New detector configurations with thick reflective photocathodes are introduced.

Some Reflective-PICOSEC detectors operate effectively at mbar gas pressures.

Progress in PICOSEC technique demonstrates potential for ultrafast particle detection.

Abstract

PICOSEC is an ultrafast particle-detector concept, combining a photocathode-coated Cherenkov radiator coupled to a gas-avalanche multiplier. Particle-induced Cherenkov photons create photoelectrons emitted from an ultrathin semitransparent photocathode; they are multiplied and detected in fast gas-avalanche mode. In parallel to the constant progress made in the PICOSEC technique, we propose different detector configurations and operation modes with the aim of enhancing robustness and performance. They incorporate thick reflective photocathodes deposited on the readout electrodes of various types of avalanche multipliers. Some of these Reflective-PICOSEC detectors operate at mbar gas pressures.