Improving the efficiency counting of Cherenkov detector by using high transmittance photonic crystal materials

Abstract

In this study, a new type of photonic crystal (PC) designed as a transmitter. The transmittance spectra of the one-dimensional (1D) photonic crystal which are consist of silicon dioxide/magnesium fluoride (SiO2/MgF2). We are simulated the results using different incident angles, and the results showed a high transmittance (99.5%) within the wavelength range of (200–700 nm). Simulations of two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystals were studied, as well as the transmittance values were investigated. As a transmitter, photonic crystals in a one-dimensional array of SiO2 and MgF2 with periodicities N = 5 were employed around the wall of the Cherenkov counter vial. The high transmittance of the SiO2/MgF2 PC allows Cherenkov light to pass without any losing in its initial incident intensity which improves the Cherenkov counting efficiency, which is utilized in a wide range of applications. By replacing the traditional polyethylene (generally used to fabricate the walls of the counter vial) with the high transmittance photonic crystal SiO2/MgF2 which is allow to the most of the emitted Cherenkov radiation to reach the photomultiplier tube without any losing in its way to the tube. Subsequently, the efficiency of the Cherenkov counter was improved. Comparing the counting efficiency for both the polyethylene and the SiO2/MgF2 photonic crystal, it was found that the counting efficiency will be increased by 15% in one-dimension and 9.5% in two-dimensions if the polyethylene walls of the vial were replaced by SiO2/MgF2.