Abstract
Cherenkov detectors are widely used for par
ticle identification in high-energy physics and for track
imaging in astrophysics. Glass Cherenkov detectors that
are sensitive to beta emissions originating from neutron
activation have been demonstrated recently as a potential
replacement for activation foils. In this work, we evaluate
Cherenkov glass detectors for sensitivity and specificity to
MeV photons through simulations using Geant4. The
model has been previously compared with measurements
of isotopic gamma sources. It includes Cherenkov gener
ation, light transport, light collection, photoelectron pro
duction and time response in photomultiplier tubes. The
model incorporates measured, wavelength-dependent
absorption and refractive index data. Simulations are con
ducted for glasses the size of fabricated samples and also
for the same glasses in monolithic, square-meter-size.
Implications for selective detection of MeV photons are
discussed.
