2.3.1 Results using Setup I

2.3 Prototype Tests

2.3.1 Results using Setup I

For these tests, three aerogel blocks from Novosibirsk Institute of Catalysis were used ("old" aerogel). The index of refraction of the blocks is n=1.05. The scattering length lscat=5.6 cm, at l=436 nm, and lscat=1.3 cm, at l=300 nm. The absorption length is labs=1200 cm, and labs=20 cm, at l=436, 300 nm, respectively [2-6]. Figure 1-1 shows a schematic of the setup.

The aerogel was wrapped within a teflon (PTFE) white box in order to enhance light collection yield. The box was placed in between two scintillators providing a trigger signal from cosmic particles. The observed photoelectron yield with 9 cm of aerogel transversed was:

photoelectrons collected

while the background, due to the crossing of particles of the WLS plane, was:

photoelectrons collected

This result is compatible with the results obtained in a particle beam at CERN-PS, and clearly indicates that such a form of signal readout will not be sufficient for the purposes of the AMS experiment.

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