Lifetime measurements of novel ultra-fast PMTs for kaon tagging at the NA62 experiment at CERN

Particle physics studies the fundamental constituents of matter and their interactions. A central requirement for future experiments at the precision frontier of particle physics, which are carried out using high-intensity particle beams, is the capability of measuring photon times to a 10 picosecond precision. Moreover the photosensors used on these experiments should have large lifetimes to enable long-term operation in the high particle rate environments.

The project is focused on characterisation of a novel photomultiplier prototype as a function of lifetime, up to the very high values of the lifetime. The successful outcome of the measurements would enable deployment of these photosensors in the next generation high-luminosity particle physics experiments relying on ultra-precise timing, representing a step forward in photon detection technology in particle physics. In addition to immediate use for Cherenkov and time-of-flight particle identification detectors in particle physics (starting from the NA62 experiment at CERN, in which the UK group plays a major role), the proposed research may open unexplored avenues for fast imaging in nuclear medicine.

The state-of-the-art laboratory equipment procured for the project will be available for shared use for the benefit of multiple STFC-supported particle physics projects undertaken by the Birmingham particle physics group and other UK groups.