Conveners
Palestra: Light detection in astro-particle experiments
- Francesco Di Capua (INFN - Napoli)
Description
Past, present, and future astroparticle physics experiments fundamentally rely on light detection as a key method to explore the unresolved questions in this field. In this talk, we will first review the main mechanisms through which particles interact with matter to produce light, highlighting the underlying physical processes that govern these phenomena. We will then focus on the operating principles of photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), emphasizing their primary role in decades of experimental discoveries and discussing their expected evolution and applications in the next generation of detectors.
In the second part of the talk, we will examine light detection with semiconductor-based devices, with particular attention to the rapid progress of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes (G-APDs). Over the past three decades, G-APDs have demonstrated exceptional performance, enabling high-precision measurements and paving the way for compact and scalable detection systems. Finally, we will discuss future perspectives, comparing the strengths and limitations of these technologies and exploring their potential to significantly advance cryogenic detectors and ultra-low-background experiments, where enhanced sensitivity and noise suppression are crucial.
