arXiv subjects

Simone Garnero

Publications and source records attributed to Simone Garnero.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Studies on photon-feedback and LaB$_6$ photocathode for the GasPM development

We present new developments, based on beam tests and cosmic rays, on the gaseous photomultiplier (GasPM). The GasPM detects photons by combining a photocathode with a resistive-plate-chamber avalanche. It achieves $\mathcal{O}$(10) ps time resolution with affordable scalability. The GasPM provides precise and efficient Cherenkov-based charged-particle identification too when combined with a radiator. Our target application in a future Belle II upgrade aims at suppressing beam-induced background photons, which are typically detected off-collision time, that spoil the electromagnetic calorimeter performance. We reached 25 ps single-photon time-resolution at 3.3x10$^6$ gain in 2022, using a picosecond-pulse laser and a LaB$_6$ photocathode. However, electrons entering through a MgF$_2$ window upstream of a CsI photocathode showed a worsening to 70 ps in a 2023 test. Here we aim at addressing the chief causes of the observed degradation. We focus on ultraviolet-photon emission from the de-excitation of the gas molecules, which generates a secondary "photon-feedback" signal overlapping the primary one, and degrading time resolution. We conceive and operate an improved beam test that, along with multiple device-configuration changes, employes a new 10 GSPS frequency digitizer to separate the photon-feedback signal from the genuine signal. We also use cosmic-rays on a LaB$_6$ photocathode, which has higher than CsI's resistance to air and to ions drifting backwards onto the photocathode, to explore its quantum efficiency.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2026

Development of an RPC-based gaseous photodetector with picosecond resolution

This experimental particle-physics thesis reports the latest developments on the GasPM, a novel gaseous photodetector aimed at suppressing beam-induced backgrounds in the electromagnetic calorimeter for a potential upgrade of the Belle~II experiment. The GasPM technology is based on combining a photocathode with a resistive-plate chamber offering high efficiency, excellent time resolution, and cost-effective scalability. A further advantage is that, combined with a radiator, the GasPM offers precise Cherenkov-based charged-particle identification. As part of a project launched in 2017, this work aims at addressing the degradation in time resolution observed in a previous beam test over what was achieved earlier with laser light. I focus specifically on ultraviolet-photon emission during excitation and de-excitation of the gas molecules, which leads to a secondary signal that in turn spoils time resolution (photon feedback). I design and execute an improved beam test that, along with several configuration changes, newly introduces single-vs-multiple electron discrimination and high-frequency signal readout. In addition, I probe through a cosmic-ray test the quantum efficiency of a new LaB$_6$ photocathode resistant to damage from ions drifting backwards, for use in future beam tests. The principal results are the development of an algorithm to efficiently suppress photon feedback; a preliminary calibration of a novel digitiser; the achievement of discrimination between single- and multiple-electron events; and an early qualification of a LaB$_6$ photocathode. These results are being prepared for showing at the 7th International Workshop on New Photon Detectors organized in Bologna in December 2025 and pave the way for an upcoming beam test of an improved GasPM prototype.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2026

Recent GasPM advances: photon-feedback mitigation and LaB$_{6}$ photocathode studies

We report recent developments and tests with beams and cosmic rays of the gaseous photomultiplier (GasPM). The GasPM is a photosensor that combines a photocathode with the avalanche-multiplication mechanism of a resistive-plate chamber, offering excellent time resolution and cost-effective scalability. In addition, the GasPM provides precise and efficient Cherenkov-based charged-particle identification if combined with a radiator. Our primary use case aims at an upgrade of the Belle II detector to suppress beam-induced background photons, preferably detected off-collision time, that degrade the performance of the electromagnetic calorimeter. In 2022 we achieved a promising single-photon time-resolution of 25 ps at 3.3 x 10$^6$ gain, using a picosecond-pulse laser and a LaB$_6$ photocathode. However, a 2023 beam test with electrons impinging on a MgF$_2$ window attached to a CsI photocathode showed a worsening to 70 ps. This work aims at addressing the principal causes of the time-resolution degradation. We primarily target ultraviolet-photon emission during excitation and de-excitation of the gas molecules, which leads to a secondary signal that overlaps the primary signal, spoiling time resolution (photon feedback). We design and execute an improved beam test. Along with several GasPM configuration changes, we introduce a new 10 GSPS frequency digitizer to better discriminate primary from secondary signals thus enabling the study of photon feedback. We also conduct a cosmic-ray test using a LaB$_6$ photocathode, which is known to have higher than CsI's resistance to ions drifting backwards onto the photocathode and to air exposure, to probe quantum efficiency in view of an upcoming beam test.

physics.ins-det↗