Beam test of a Pb/SciFi prototype for the Barrel Imaging Calorimeter at the Electron-Ion Collider

TL;DR

This paper reports on beam tests of a Pb/SciFi calorimeter prototype at CERN, evaluating its energy and timing performance for potential use at the Electron-Ion Collider.

Contribution

First beam test of a Pb/SciFi prototype for the EIC Barrel Imaging Calorimeter, providing performance data for future development.

Findings

Characterized energy resolution for 0.5-3 GeV electrons

Measured timing performance of the calorimeter prototype

Provided insights for calibration and larger-scale prototype development

Abstract

A Lead-Scintillating Fiber (Pb/SciFi) prototype for the Barrel Imaging Calorimeter (BIC) at the Electron--Ion Collider (EIC) was tested with electron beams at the CERN PS T10 beam line in August 2024. The prototype consisted of unit modules with a sampling structure of lead sheets and scintillating fibers, corresponding to a total depth of approximately $10.9\,X_{0}$. Beam tests were performed with electron momenta between 0.5 and 3~GeV/$c$ to evaluate the energy and timing performance of the prototype. This study characterizes the performance of a Pb/SciFi prototype and provides input for future beam tests, calibration and readout optimization, and the development of larger-scale prototypes.