Novel techniques for sub-nanosecond time-resolved Ring Image Cherenkov photon detection

The high-luminosity LHC upgrades planned for 2027 will result in a significantly higher occupancy in the LHCb Ring Imaging Cherenkov (RICH) detectors. The expected 5-fold increase in occupancy will degrade the detector's ability to perform particle identification (PID). Recent simulations have demonstrated the power of precision time-resolved photon detection in improving RICH PID performance under conditions of high detector occupancy. This project will explore new techniques using emerging sensor and electronics technologies, and evaluate their potential benefit for future detectors.