Recent Progress in Silica Aerogel Cherenkov Radiator

Abstract

In this paper, we present recent progress in the development of hydrophobic\nsilica aerogel as a Cherenkov radiator. In addition to the conventional method,\nthe recently developed pin-drying method for producing high-refractive-index\naerogels with high transparency was studied in detail. Optical qualities and\nlarge tile handling for crack-free aerogels were investigated. Sufficient\nphotons were detected from high-performance aerogels in a beam test.\n