JLab Eta Factory's Lead Tungstate Calorimeter

The purpose of the Jefferson Lab Eta Factory (JEF) experiment at Jefferson Lab’s Experimental Hall D is to conduct measurements of various η and η’ meson decay channels. These measurements are imperative for exploring physics beyond the Standard Model, finding sources of CP-violation, and conducting fundamental tests of quantum chromodynamics. Installing an electromagnetic lead tungstate calorimeter (ECAL) insert within JEF’s GlueX detector will allow for more precise reconstruction of η and η’ decay channels than was formerly possible. The ECAL consists of 1596 PbWO₄-based scintillating crystals previously installed in Hall D. During the summer of 2024, we worked on the commissioning of this new detector, testing the light-monitoring system and ECAL modules, as well as installing cables and readout electronics. The detector will be fully operational in January 2025. We will give an overview of the JEF experiment and its lead tungstate calorimeter, focusing on our work at JLab as undergraduate students.