Liquid scintillator sampling calorimetry

Abstract

This research was supported by the Department of Energy to investigate a new sampling calorimeter technology for the high intensity regions of the Superconducting Supercollider. The technology involved using liquid scintillator filled glass tubes embedded in a lead matrix. Two prototypes employing l mm and 2mm fibers with 2mm and 4mm distance between each fiber respectively were designed, constructed and then tested in the test beam at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory between the months of August 1991 and January 1992. The prototype using Imm tubes had a resolution of 5 1 % over the square root of energy plus a constant term of 4% and the 2mm prototype's resolution was 48% over the square root of energy with a 9% constant term. Both models were found to be slightly nonlinear. The resolution and linearity were found to be limited by a shorter than expected light attenuation length and nonuniformity in the lightguide. Both of these problems were later corrected. The overall results were excellent, demonstrating for the first time that a device of this type was technically feasible and providing valuable information for future designs. The details of the design, construction, testing and analysis are provided.