A New Approach for the Design of Large-Area Timing Scintillators

In the era of advanced nuclear physics facilities such as the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) [1], precision time-of-flight (ToF) detectors are essential tools, especially in high-resolution, high-acceptance spectrographs like the S800 [2]. These systems require large-area ToF detectors capable of efficiently covering the broad phase space of magnetic spectrometer-selected nuclear recoils.

Achieving both high timing resolution and scalability over large areas remains a technical challenge. We present a novel approach to the design and implementation of large-area timing scintillators optimized for fast response and high time resolution. A new "single-wall" scintillator detector for the S800, read out using multiple photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), has been developed and evaluated. Its timing performance was studied using a dedicated experimental prototype and detailed Geant4-based simulations [3–4].

We report on the detector optimization strategy, including investigations of scintillator materials, wrapping techniques, and readout configurations. The results demonstrate promising performance characteristics and offer guidance for future large-area high-resolution ToF systems.

[1] T. Glasmacher et. al., Nuclear Physics News, 34(3) (2024) 5–12.

[2] D. Bazin et. al., Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research B 204 (2003) 629–633.

[3] J. Allison et al., IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci. 53 (2006) 270-278.

[4] S. Agostinelli et al., Nucl. Instrum. Meth. A 506 (2003) 250-303.