BEAM TEST-RESULTS FROM A FINE-SAMPLING QUARTZ FIBER CALORIMETER FOR ELECTRON, PHOTON AND HADRON DETECTION

We present the results of beam tests with high-energy (8-375 GeV) elec trons, pions, protons and muons of a sampling calorimeter based on the detection of Cherenkov light produced by shower particles. The detect or, a prototype for the very forward calorimeters in the CMS experimen t, consists of thin quartz fibers embedded in a copper matrix. Results are given on the light yield of this device, on its energy resolution for electron and hadron detection, and on the signal uniformity and l inearity. The signal generation mechanism gives this type of detector unique properties, especially for the detection of hadron showers: nar row, shallow shower profiles and extremely fast signals. These specifi c properties were measured in detail. The implications for measurement s in the high-rate, high-radiation Large Hadron Collider (LHC) environ ment are discussed.