Characterisation of the fused silica surface quality with a $\beta$-source

International audienceA method to characterise the quality of a fused silica surface using a $\beta$-source is presented. Two fused silica bars ($5 \times 10 \times 400$ mm$^3$) were fabricated for the Cherenkov detector for proton Flux Measurement installed at vacuum chamber of the Super Proton Synchrotron at CERN. The resolution of such device is defined by the collection efficiency of the Cherenkov light, which is produced by relativistic charged particles in the fused silica. Thus, the surface quality of the radiator should be as good as possible to avoid light losses. The method is based on the scanning of the radiator surface with a $^{90}$Sr radioactive source and measurements of the Cherenkov light rate, detected by a PMT attached to the quartz bars. The data have been compared with a Monte-Carlo simulation, providing an estimation of the radiator’s probability of the total internal reflection and inefficient area at the edges of the bars