Development of Ring Imaging Cherenkov counter for Belle II experiment at super KEKB

Abstract For the Belle II experiment at the superKEKB, we have been developing a proximity focusing ring imaging Cherenkov detector using a silica aerogel as a radiator. A 144-channel Hybrid Avalanche Photo-Detector which is developed with Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. was adopted as the photon detector for the Aerogel RICH counter. We have conducted beam tests in order to evaluate the particle identification performance for the A-RICH system. One of our current concern for the system is a radiation hardness of the HAPD. In order to realize the neutron hardness for 10-year Belle II operation, we have tried to make APDs with a thinner P-layer which is expected to help in reducing the leakage current. As a result, we actually confirmed effects of the improved APD. In this paper, we would alike to report the status of the A-RICH development, especially about the improvement of the HAPD.