Calorimeters in High Energy and Nuclear Physics

Abstract

Calorimeters measure primarily the energy deposition of primary particles by their interactions with the detector material. Calorimeters play a decisive role in experiments in particle and nuclear physics. Depending on the detector layout, calorimetric measurements cover an energy range of a few MeV up to several EeV, the highest energies measured so far. This lecture gives a comprehensive introduction into the physics principles of calorimeters and therefore covers the wide range of knowledge on physics needed to build, operate and understand an experimental apparatus. An overview on modern calorimeters like those to be operated at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN, the International Linear Collider (ILC) and in modern nuclear physics experiments like AGATA is given. Their technologies are compared with those of successful experiments of the past. Where possible, the outreach into other fields of science and industrial applications is outlined. The audience is expected to have a basic knowledge on quantum mechanics and solid state physics but reminders on the relevant physical laws are given throughout the lecture.

Curriculum:
- Fields of application for calorimeters - From high resolution gamma spectroscopy to astroparticle physics.
- Basic processes for electromagnetic and hadronic showers.
- What influences the energy and spatial resolution of a calorimeter?
- Sensitive materials - Liquid noble gases, scintillators (organic - anorganic), semi-conductors, emulsions.
- Readout devices - Photosensitive devices, charge sensitive devices.
- Calibration of calorimeters.
- Discussion of past, present and future calorimeters.

Roman Pöschl

Laboratoire de l'Accélérateur Linéaire
91898 Orsay Cedex Frankreich