Water Cherenkov Detectors (WCDs) are pivotal in various scientific fields, including neutrino physics, gamma-ray astronomy, and cosmic-ray research. The detection sensitivity and precision of these detectors crucially rely on photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) to capture Cherenkov radiation produced by charged particles moving faster than the speed of light in water. In recent years, employing multiPMT modules has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance large volume water and ice Cherenkov detector performance. In this work we explore the use of a multiPMT module in small WCD units, arranged in arrays as typically used to detect Extensive Air Showers (EAS). We outline a possible configuration and present the advantages it can offer for data analysis, as demonstrated through dedicated simulations. We investigate the potential of multiPMTs in capturing the features of the Cherenkov light distribution originated by single muons and discuss its possible application for muon tagging in WCD arrays.
@article{arxiv.2603.27324,
title = {Enhancing Water Cherenkov Detector Arrays through multiPMT Modules},
author = {D. Ambrosino and R. Colalillo and V. M. Grieco and F. Guarino and L. Lavitola and F. Sansone and M. Tambone and L. Valore and M. Waqas},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2603.27324},
year = {2026}
}
Comments
13 pages, 16 figures, prepared for submission to JINST