This report presents the design, characterization, and application of a high-sensitivity optical detection system based on plastic scintillators coupled to Multi-Pixel Photon Counters (MPPCs). The primary objective was to evaluate the performance of MPPCs (Silicon Photomultipliers) as robust, low-voltage alternatives to traditional photomultiplier tubes for detecting faint scintillation light. The optoelectronic properties of the sensors were analyzed, including single-photoelectron gain calibration and dark count rate measurements, to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio. By embedding wavelength-shifting fibers to enhance light collection efficiency, the system was configured into a three-fold coincidence telescope. The angular distribution of the cosmic ray muon flux was measured to validate the detector's stability and geometric acceptance. Fitting the experimental data to a cosn(θ) distribution yielded an angular exponent of n=1.44±0.06, consistent with literature values. These results demonstrate the efficacy of the MPPC-scintillator coupling for precise photon counting and timing applications in high-energy physics instrumentation.
@article{arxiv.2602.16297,
title = {Characterization of an MPPC-Based Scintillator Telescope and Measurement of Cosmic Muon Angular Distribution},
author = {Sahla Manithottathil and Anuj Gupta and Mudit Kumar and Navaneeth Poonthottathil},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2602.16297},
year = {2026}
}