The ARC compact RICH detector concept: design, simulations and prototype development

Journal article

Particle Identification is a key requirement for future Higgs factories such as FCC-ee at Future Circular Collider. The ARC (Array of RICH Cells) detector is a compact and modular Ring Imaging Cherenkov (RICH) concept designed for π/K separation in the 1–40 GeV/c momentum range. It combines gas and aerogel radiators in independent cells equipped with mirrors and SiPM-based photon detectors. Simulation studies, including inverse ray-tracing reconstruction, confirm the expected photon yield and PID performance. A key challenge for SiPM-based RICH systems is noise reduction. We present the development of a compact and scalable SiPM housing module integrating mechanical support, front-end compatibility, and active cooling. The design builds on the Elementary Cell concept of the LHCb RICH Upgrade and extends it with embedded thermal management at sensor level. Thermal modelling and prototype measurements demonstrate stable and uniform operation at temperatures down to -80°C. This approach provides a viable solution for low-noise SiPM modules for next-generation RICH detectors.

Authors: Pezzulo, S; Cardinale, R; Tolosa-Delgado, A; Forty, R; Malde, S

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: IOP Publishing
• Journal: Journal of Instrumentation
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 06
• Pages: C06015
• Article number: C06015
• Publication date: 2026-06-24
• Acceptance date: 2026-05-13
• DOI: 10.1088/1748-0221/21/06/c06015
• EISSN: 1748-0221
• ISSN: 1748-0221
• Language: English
• Keywords: Cherenkov detectors; Photon detectors for UV, visible and IR photons (solid-state); Cherenkov and transition radiation; Detector cooling and thermo-stabilization