2.3 Prototype Tests

2 Performance Considerations

2.3 Prototype Tests

2.3.1 - Results using Setup I
2.3.2 - Results using Setup II
2.3.3 - Results obtained using Setup III
2.3.4 - Results
2.3.5 - Removal of humidity

Extensive tests were performed at LAPP-Annecy with different geometry configurations, in order to optimize the light yield:

The setup already presented in chapter 1 (setup I, or 'direct-cone' readout)
A setup consisting of aerogel blocks coupled to WLS in a 'lateral' mode, in order to measure the diffused Cerenkov light produced (setup II)
A setup consisting of a box 10x10x10 cm3, filled with aerogel and readout by a photomultiplier, without the use of WLS (setup III). The light collected in this setup is, also, diffused as in setup II.

Since aerogel is strongly absorbing light in the Ultra-Violet (UV) region of the spectrum, one has to try to convert the produced Cerenkov light to visible light, as quickly as possible. The first two setups are employing the use of solid WLS, while the third setup employes the use of highly reflective surfaces (teflon-PTFE) covered by 1-Phenyl-3-mesityl-2-pyrazolin (PMP).

Issue: Draft - Revision: 04 - Last Modified: 20 April 1997