Surface microstructure of water Cherenkov detectors reflective liner: Tyvek

Abstract

Water Cherenkov detectors are used for studying of high energy cosmic rays. The photomultiplier tubes observe the Cherenkov light generated by fast extensive air shower of charged particles in water. Material trade-named Tyvek is frequently used as the inner lining material of these Cherenkov detectors because a high diffuse reflectivity is required in order to improve light collection uniformity. The results of Tyvek surface microstructure measurement using optical (confocal microscopy) and mechanical (profilometry) methods are presented in this paper. Tyvek surface light scattering anisotropy is commented.