Speaker
Description
The Hyper-Kamiokande experiment is a next-generation underground water Cherenkov detector designed to explore CP violation, proton decay, and astrophysical neutrino sources with unprecedented sensitivity. To enhance photodetection capabilities, both the far detector (FD) and the Intermediate Water Cherenkov Detector (IWCD) incorporate novel multi-PMT modules. Each module integrates nineteen 3-inch PMTs and dedicated front-end electronics within a waterproof pressure vessel, offering improved directional sensitivity and timing resolution. The Hyper-Kamiokande FD employs 800 modules, 200 of which are equipped with in-situ calibration LEDs. The IWCD, located 1 km from the J-PARC neutrino beam, uses 400 modules as its primary photosensor system. The FD modules prioritize ultra-low power operation, while the IWCD electronics are optimized for higher event rates.
We present the design, production, and testing of the multi-PMT system, highlighting differences in electronics architectures, assembly and QA procedures, and recent results from the Water Cherenkov Test Experiment (WCTE) at CERN. These developments mark a significant step forward in photodetection technology for large-scale neutrino experiments.
