arXiv subjects

L. Lavitola

Publications and source records attributed to L. Lavitola.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Enhancing Water Cherenkov Detector Arrays through multiPMT Modules

Water Cherenkov Detectors (WCDs) are pivotal in various scientific fields, including neutrino physics, gamma-ray astronomy, and cosmic-ray research. The detection sensitivity and precision of these detectors crucially rely on photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) to capture Cherenkov radiation produced by charged particles moving faster than the speed of light in water. In recent years, employing multiPMT modules has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance large volume water and ice Cherenkov detector performance. In this work we explore the use of a multiPMT module in small WCD units, arranged in arrays as typically used to detect Extensive Air Showers (EAS). We outline a possible configuration and present the advantages it can offer for data analysis, as demonstrated through dedicated simulations. We investigate the potential of multiPMTs in capturing the features of the Cherenkov light distribution originated by single muons and discuss its possible application for muon tagging in WCD arrays.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2023

Analysis of test beam data taken with a prototype of TPC with resistive Micromegas for the T2K Near Detector upgrade

In this paper we describe the performance of a prototype of the High Angle Time Projection Chambers (HA-TPCs) that are being produced for the Near Detector (ND280) upgrade of the T2K experiment. The two HA-TPCs of ND280 will be instrumented with eight Encapsulated Resistive Anode Micromegas (ERAM) on each endplate, thus constituting in total 32 ERAMs. This innovative technique allows the detection of the charge emitted by ionization electrons over several pads, improving the determination of the track position. The TPC prototype has been equipped with the first ERAM module produced for T2K and with the HA-TPC readout electronics chain and it has been exposed to the DESY Test Beam in order to measure spatial and dE/dx resolution. In this paper we characterize the performances of the ERAM and, for the first time, we compare them with a newly developed simulation of the detector response. Spatial resolution better than 800 ${μ\rm m}$ and dE/dx resolution better than 10% are observed for all the incident angles and for all the drift distances of interest. All the main features of the data are correctly reproduced by the simulation and these performances fully fulfill the requirements for the HA-TPCs of T2K.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2023

Characterization of Charge Spreading and Gain of Encapsulated Resistive Micromegas Detectors for the Upgrade of the T2K Near Detector Time Projection Chambers

An upgrade of the near detector of the T2K long baseline neutrino oscillation experiment is currently being conducted. This upgrade will include two new Time Projection Chambers, each equipped with 16 charge readout resistive Micromegas modules. A procedure to validate the performance of the detectors at different stages of production has been developed and implemented to ensure a proper and reliable operation of the detectors once installed. A dedicated X-ray test bench is used to characterize the detectors by scanning each pad individually and to precisely measure the uniformity of the gain and the deposited energy resolution over the pad plane. An energy resolution of about 10% is obtained. A detailed physical model has been developed to describe the charge dispersion phenomena in the resistive Micromegas anode. The detailed physical description includes initial ionization, electron drift, diffusion effects and the readout electronics effects. The model provides an excellent characterization of the charge spreading of the experimental measurements and allowed the simultaneous extraction of gain and RC information of the modules.

physics.ins-det↗