Evolution of RICH detectors, from gaseous to solid state photon converters

by Emile Schyns (CERN-EP/AIT)

Friday 9 May 2003, 11:00 → 12:00 Europe/Zurich

13/2-005 (CERN)

Charged hadron identification in HEP experiments is based on three classic methods: dE/dx-measurement, TOF measurement and the RICH technique. RICH counters apply photodetectors with either photo-sensitive vapours admixed in a carrier gas or solid state photocathodes operated under gas or vacuum. An overview of the physical and operational aspects of these photodetectors will be given. Furthermore, the development of large area reflective CsI photocathodes will be reviewed in the context of their production process and their performance. CsI thin film coating parameters and developments in the domain of the production and the preparation of substrates are discussed in relation with the photocathode performance. The quantum efficiencies of large photocathodes routinely produced for ALICE will be compared with results from HADES and STAR and with R&D results obtained on small area samples.

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