XII International Workshop on Ring Imaging Cherenkov Detectors - RICH2025

We present the concept of the next-generation DIRC (xpDIRC), a
novel detector geometry under development for next-generation particle
Identification systems. Building upon the high-performance DIRC
(hpDIRC) designed for the ePIC detector at the Electron-Ion Collider
(EIC), the xpDIRC introduces a hybrid optical architecture featuring
enhanced focusing optics, a wide-plate light guide, and compatibility
with alternative photosensors, including promising SiPM technologies.
This contribution summarizes recent, highly encouraging simulation
results and outlines the planned R&D program for experimental
validation of the concept.