Time-of-flight subsystem design and evaluation for the solenoidal tracker at RHIC

The focus of this project is the research and development of the time-of-flight (TOF) subsystem which utilizes a configuration of scintillators for the STAR detector. This is to be built for RHIC at Brookhaven in 1997. The first aspect of the project is to test and analyze the ideal configuration for a start counter to be used in the experimental testing of the TOF scintillators. To achieve the resolution needed in the final set-up, this experimental start counter will need a timing resolution of less than 100 ps. The second aspect of the project is to analyze the time resolution, attenuation length, and pulse height resolution for a bundle of 5 meter long, 2mm round scintillating fibers which are being tested for possible use in the final TOF subsystem