The TORCH PMT: a close packing, multi-anode, long life MCP-PMT for Cherenkov applications

Photek (U.K.) and the TORCH collaboration are undertaking a three year development program to produce a novel square MCP-PMT for single photon detection. The TORCH detector aims to provide particle identification in the 2–10 GeV/c momentum range, using a Time-of-Flight method based on Cherenkov light. It is a stand-alone RD (ii) Multi-anode output with a spatial resolution of 6 mm and 0.4 mm respectively in the horizontal and vertical directions, incorporating a novel charge-sharing technique; (iii) Close packing on two opposing sides with an active area fill factor of 88% in the horizontal direction. Results from simulations modelling the MCP detector performance factoring in the pulse height variation from the detector, NINO threshold levels and potential charge sharing techniques that enhance the position resolution beyond the physical pitch of the pixel layout will be discussed. Also, a novel method of coupling the MCP-PMT output pads using Anisotropic Conductive Film (ACF) will be described. This minimises parasitic input capacitance by allowing very close proximity between the frontend electronics and the MCP detector.