ATHENA experiment grid

EIC

R&D for future EIC experiments.

We are working on the technical design of experiments at the future Electron-Ion Collider. Specifically, we are conducting detector R&D for the calorimeter systems in our lab at UCR.

We are exploring the use of machine learning techniques to optimize the detector design.

We have also developed a virtual-reality event display, which runs with Unity, to visualize events of simulated data. We use it for research, education and outreach.

Our group has pioneered proposals to use jets for the 3D tomography of the proton and nuclei. These proposals address the core of the EIC science goals, but with new techniques that exploit jets and their substructure.

Our group has pioneered development of high-granularity calorimeters for the EIC. We were the first to advocate for, develop, and test the "SiPM-on-tile technology" within the EIC community.

We conceived and designed the Calorimeter Insert (CALI). This subsystem concept will allow us to deploy the power of "imaging calorimetry" to measure the highest-energy particle jets produced at the EIC. This design was incorporated in the EIC detector design, and some of its features have also been adopted in other, larger scale subdetectors.

We also designed and proposed a model for the Zero Degree Calorimeter (ZDC) using an approach similar to that of our Insert. We innovated a new method involving staggered layers with hexagonal patterns, along with an algorithm named HEXPLIT, which utilizes these patterns to enhance resolution. The ZDC will enable a very rich physics program at the EIC.

More recently, we conceived and designed the Few-Degree Calorimeter (FDC), which aims to exploit precise timing and high granularity for tagging electrons scattered at a few degrees. The FDC will support the investigation into gluon saturation, a hypothetical new phenomenon that is one of the main motivations for the EIC.

High-granularity calorimeter insert will measure the most-energetic particles at the future Electron-Ion Collider in 5D (energy, position and time). SiPM-on-tile design to readout each scintillator cells. Example of imaging calorimetry EIC.

Calorimeter Insert Prototype (SiPM-on-tile) for future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC)

SiPM-on-tile cells

High-granularity calorimeter insert will measure the most-energetic particles at the future Electron-Ion Collider in 5D (energy, position and time). SiPM-on-tile design to readout each scintillator cells. Example of imaging calorimetry EIC.

Comparison of gen-I prototype with gen-II calorimeter insert prototype

Hexagonal scintillator cells with dimple at the center for SiPM-on-tile approach. Cells are machined to size with CNC. EIC hadronic calorimeter R&D. High-granularity calorimeter.

EIC Zero Degree Calorimeter (ZDC) SiPM-on-tile design

EIC Zero Degree Calorimeter (ZDC) SiPM-on-tile and LYSO

EIC ZDC Prototype mechanical structure

Injection molded scintillator cell (Fermilab) on SiPM board. SiPM-on-tile approach. EIC R&D calorimetry.

ePIC detector at EIC with Few Degree Calorimeter (FDC)

Staggering design used in Zero Degree Calorimeter for EIC (SiPM-on-tile)

Calorimeter insert prototype (exploded view). SiPM-on-tile based design for the EIC. Electron-Ion Collider hadronic calorimeter

Hexagon cell scintillator SiPM-on-tile

The cells of the high-granularity calorimeter insert with a grooved sheet design. EIC R&D SiPM-on-tile

SiPM board for calorimeter insert prototype. SiPM-on-tile hexagon cells. EIC R&D calorimetry.

SiPM-on-tile square cell machined scintillator and injection molding cell

Printed circuit board with SiPMs for SiPM-on-tile calorimeter insert prototype for the Electron-Ion Collider. Hexagon pattern flower PCB design.

Board with UV LED for SiPM-on-tile calibration and monitoring. Flower board design for calorimeter insert prototype for EIC

Calorimeter insert prototype. SiPM-on-tile calorimeter. ECAL-size prototype. Calorimeter Insert for ePIC detector at the EIC.

Calorimeter Insert prototype assembly

Calorimeter Insert prototype (SiPM-on-tile calorimeter for the EIC) in JLab for testing with positron beam

Calorimeter Insert EIC within forward endcap calorimeter showing EIC beam crossing angle

EIC detector "endcap" in opened configuration. The CALI is designed to integrate to the rest of the endcap detectors and to open up for maintenance. Beampipe calorimeter EIC. Plug or insert calorimeter.

SiPM-on-tile hexagonal cell

Hexagonal Scintillator tile with reflective foil, open

Hexagonal scintillator cell injected molded

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