Nanodiamond photocathodes for MPGD-based single photon detectors at future EIC

Abstract

We are developing gaseous photon detectors for Cherenkov imaging applications in the experiments at the future Electron Ion Collider. CsI, converting photons in the far ultraviolet range, is, so far, the only photoconverter compatible with the operation of gaseous detectors. It is very delicate to handle due to its hygroscopic nature: the absorbed water vapour decomposes the CsI molecule. In addition, its quantum efficiency degrades under ion bombardment. These are the key reasons to quest for novel, less delicate materials for photocathodes adequate for gaseous photon detectors. Layers of hydrogenated nanodiamond particles have recently been proposed as an alternative material and have shown promising characteristics. The performance of nanodiamond photocathodes coupled to thick GEM-based detectors is the objects of our ongoing R&D. The first phase of these studies includes the characterization of thick GEM coated with nanodiamond layers and the robustness of its photoconverting properties with respect to the bombardment by ions from the multiplication process in the gaseous detector. The approach is described in detail as well as all the results obtained so far within these exploratory studies.

Trends in particle and nuclei identification techniques in nuclear physics experiments

“…Figure 38 shows a schematic drawing of the COMPASS-like photon detector in the 2018 beam test and an example of the detected Cherenkov ring [289]; -comparison the detector performance using either THGEM (as in COMPASS) or GEMs for the first multiplication stages; -identification of an adequate front-end chip: studies for coupling the hybrid PD with VMM3 ASIC have been initiated; -coupling of the THGEMs with a novel and more robust PCs by Hydrogenated Nano Diamond powder (HND) to overcome the limitation imposed by the use of CsI [290]. Set of systematic studies are ongoing for complete validation [291,292].…”

Snowmass 2021 Instrumentation Frontier (IF5 - MPGDs) -- White Paper 2: Micro Pattern Gaseous Detectors for Nuclear Physics

“…The possibility to identify novel solid-state photoconverters providing higher QE and adequate for operation in gaseous PDs has to be pursued: it is beneficial for the compact RICH concept and, more in general, for all the applications of gaseous PDs. Hydrogenated nanodiamond powders have been proposed [71] and initial studies are ongoing [72,73,74], while further investigation is needed, with dedicated attention to novel C-materials.…”

Enhancing Methane Removal Efficiency of ZrMnFe Alloy by Partial Replacement of Fe with Co

“…Additionally, it acts as a reducing gas in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles and other nanomaterials for energy conversion and photodetection applications [3]. Moreover, high-purity hydrogen acts as a coolant and insulating gas in advanced photodetectors such as superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPDs) and transition edge sensors (TESs) [4,5]. In these applications, even small amounts of impurities can have a detrimental effect on product quality or performance [6].…”