A Ring Imaging Cherenkov Detector for the AMS Experiment: Simulation and Prototype

A proximity focusing Ring Imaging Cherenkov (RICH) detector with a velocity resolution Δβ/β of about 10−3 for charge one particles will be built for AMS to identify e(e+), p̄(p), and light nuclei. The AMS is a space-bourne particle physics experiment whose purposes is to search for antimatter, dark matter, and to study cosmic-ray astrophysics. An extensive Monte Carlo simulation study has been conducted to investigate possible RICH configurations. Some first results with a cosmic-ray test of a prototype of proximity RICH counter equipped with a solid radiator (NaF or aerogel) and a detector array of 132 photo-multiplier tubes are reported.