Characterisation of the Hamamatsu R12199-01 HA MOD photomultiplier tube for low temperature applications

Abstract

A: We present a detailed characterisation of the new Hamamatsu R12199-01 HA MOD 3-inch photomultiplier tube (PMT) which is under consideration for the use in segmented optical modules of deep-ice neutrino detectors at the South Pole. Because of the significantly lower operation-temperature range compared to standard applications, a focus of our studies lies on the investigation of the temperature dependence of background characteristics (dark count rate, probability of correlated pulses), timing properties, gain and peak-to-valley ratio of this PMT type. In addition, the performance of the "HA coating" intended for background reduction was tested, as well as the influence of conductive objects near the photocathode like reflectors on the PMT noise rate. A low background rate is of particular importance as the deep ice at the South Pole features negligible optical background. We find that the new PMT type is well suited for the intended applications. K: Cherenkov detectors, Large detector systems for particle and astroparticle physics, Photon detectors for UV, visible and IR photons (vacuum)

Characterisation of Two PMT Models for the IceCube Upgrade mDOM

“…In conclusion, the results for both PMT models are in good agreement with the specifications as provided by the manufacturers and show excellent noise behaviour at the low-temperatures relevant for possible use in future IceCube optical modules. More detailed information on the PMT characterization studies can be found in [5] for the Hamamatsu PMTs and in [6] for the HZC Photonics PMTs.…”

“…To compensate, the operating voltages of the PMTs were adjusted as a function of temperature in order to keep the PMT gain constant. Figure 6: Gain and operating voltage as a function of temperature for one particular Hamamatsu PMT (left, plot taken from [5]) and a HZC PMT (right).…”

“…Section 4 summarizes temperature-dependent measurements, focusing on dark noise rates in particular. Parts of these proceedings are a condensed version of and a comparison between the PMT characterization results presented for the Hamamatsu PMT in [5] and the HZC PMT in [6].…”

Design and performance of the multi-PMT optical module for IceCube Upgrade

“…a reduced overall tube length of 91 mm. The main characteristics of the R15458-02 model were not affected by the reduced length and are comparable to the R12199-01 HA MOD, which was characterized in detail in [7]. The PMTs come equipped with an active base (see Sec.2.2) by the manufacturer, with the PMT-base compound referred to as R15458-20.…”

A multi-PMT Optical Module for the IceCube Upgrade

“…As conductive objects at non-photocathode potential close to the photocathode of a negatively fed PMT tend to evoke high and unstable dark-noise rates [5] the reflectors will be connected to photocathode potential via dedicated copper strips (see left picture in Fig. 3).…”