ATC-TDR
The main background is expected to come from electrons (estimated to be 100-200 more than the antiproton flux). Low energy electrons (up to approximately 2 GeV) will be rejected by the AMS Time-Of-Flight (TOF) system, which is designed to have a time resolution of 100 ps.
In order to reject the medium energy electrons the Aerogel Threshold Counter (ATC) has been, recently, proposed. This note summarizes the performance considerations and the design parameters of the system.
This chapter summarizes the early tests performed in 1996 with Russian-made aerogel (n=1.055) and two different layouts. Chapter 2 describes the performance considerations taken into account for the present design of the counter, the choice of aerogel, its dimensions and position with respect to the rest of the AMS instrument. The mechanical design is described in chapter 3, while the materials and components used in the construction are presented in chapter 4. Finally, chapters 5, 6, and 7 summarize the development of electronics, DAQ, and slow control systems, the software of the detector and the planned assembly procedure for its construction.