Investigation of the electromagnetic calorimeter response function by cosmic muons

In this work, the passage of cosmic muons in calorimetric modules was simulated. The coefficients for converting signal amplitudes into absorbed energy of a passing particle were obtained. The data collected during the exposure of the electromagnetic calorimeter to cosmic muons were analyzed. The results of the analysis were used to process the experimental data obtained in the interaction of carbon, argon and krypton at 3.5 GeV/nucleon energy with different targets.

The Energy Response of Calorimeters

This chapter deals with the signals produced by particles that are being absorbed in a calorimeter. The calorimeter response is defined as the average signal produced per unit energy deposited in this absorption process, for example in terms of picoCoulombs per GeV. Defined in this way, a linear calorimeter has a constant response. Typically, the response of the calorimeter depends on the type of particle absorbed in it. Also, most calorimeters are non-linear for hadronic shower detection. This is the essence of the so-called non-compensation problem, which has in practice major consequences for the performance of calorimeters. The origins of this problem, and its possible solutions are described. The roles of the sampling fraction, the sampling frequency, the signal integration time and the choice of the absorber and active materials are examined in detail. Important parameters, such as the e/mip and e/h values, are defined and methods to determine their value are described.

Calibrating a Calorimeter System

One of the most important aspects of operating a calorimeter is the calibration, i.e. determining the relationship between the deposited energy and the resulting signal. Segmenting the calorimeter into two or more longitudinal segments creates extremely complicated problems in this context. This is because the sampling fraction and the calorimeter response tend to change as the shower develops, in an energy dependent way. In this chapter, a large variety of methods that have been proposed and/or tried to deal with these problems are described. Almost all these methods have undesirable side effects, the consequences of which are discussed and illustrated with practical examples. The correct way to calibrate a calorimeter system is also described.