Speaker
Description
Highly segmented calorimeters are among the most promising detector technologies for achieving a significant improvement in jet energy resolution at future collider experiments through the use of Particle Flow Algorithms (PFA). By combining fine-grained calorimetric information with precise tracking, PFA-based reconstruction enables an unprecedented separation of charged and neutral particle contributions within jets. This capability is a key requirement for precision measurements at future e⁺e⁻ colliders, most notably at the FCC-ee, where excellent jet energy resolution is essential to fully exploit the physics potential. In addition, highly segmented calorimetry concepts are also being considered for other experiments beyond the traditional collider environment, such as LUXE, where precise spatial and timing information can significantly enhance event reconstruction and background rejection.
Spanish groups, in particular those from CIEMAT and more recently IFIC, have a long-standing tradition in the research and development of highly granular calorimeters within the CALICE collaboration. Over the past years, these groups have contributed substantially to the design, construction, testing, and analysis of advanced calorimeter prototypes.
These activities are now fully integrated into the CERN Detector R&D Collaboration on Calorimetry (DRDCalo), within Work Package 1, which focuses on highly granular calorimeters for future experiments. Researchers from CIEMAT and IFIC are not only key contributors to the technical work, but also hold management responsibilities within this new collaboration, underlining the strong involvement and leadership of the Spanish community in this international effort.
The current R&D program at CIEMAT and IFIC covers both electromagnetic and hadronic calorimeters. On the electromagnetic side, the focus is on a silicon–tungsten (Si–W) electromagnetic calorimeter, combining thin tungsten absorber layers with finely segmented silicon sensors. For hadronic calorimetry, a semidigital hadron calorimeter (SDHCAL) based on glass Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) with semidigital readout is being developed. Both technologies face significant challenges in terms of electronics, mechanics or cooling, mainly driven by the extremely high number of readout channels and the need for compact detectors with minimal dead spaces.
New calorimeter prototypes are currently under development. For the Si–W ECAL, a new prototype is expected within the coming months. In preparation for this, IFIC has established a new laboratory dedicated to the hybridization of large-area silicon sensors. This facility positions IFIC as a central hub for module hybridization R&D, production, and commissioning for DRDCalo silicon ECALs, as well as for the LUXE experiment. In parallel, the SDHCAL is evolving towards a next-generation SDHCAL (t-SDHCAL) concept with precise timing capabilities, enabling 5D calorimetry by complementing fine spatial and energy granularity with precise timing capabilities. The t-SDHCAL foresees the use of multigap glass RPCs and a new generation of readout electronics based on novel ASICs, targeting time resolutions of a few tens of picoseconds.
This presentation will review the current state of the art of these highly segmented calorimetry activities, highlighting recent achievements, ongoing developments, and the roadmap for future R&D within the Spanish groups.