[Paper Review] Conceptual design of the Spin Physics Detector

V. M. Abazov, V. Abramov+293 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|Jan 31, 2021

Particle physics theoretical and experimental studies364 references39 citations

TL;DR

This paper presents a conceptual design for the Spin Physics Detector (SPD), outlining its detector components, data acquisition, control, simulation, beam testing, and project strategy, including cost and institutional planning.

ABSTRACT

The Spin Physics Detector, a universal facility for studying the nucleon spin structure and other spin-related phenomena with polarized proton and deuteron beams, is proposed to be placed in one of the two interaction points of the NICA collider that is under construction at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (Dubna, Russia). At the heart of the project there is huge experience with polarized beams at JINR. The main objective of the proposed experiment is the comprehensive study of the unpolarized and polarized gluon content of the nucleon. Spin measurements at the Spin Physics Detector at the NICA collider have bright perspectives to make a unique contribution and challenge our understanding of the spin structure of the nucleon. In this document the Conceptual Design of the Spin Physics Detector is presented.

Motivation & Objective

• Motivate and outline the need for a Spin Physics Detector to study spin structure and spin-dependent phenomena in hadronic collisions.
• Propose a comprehensive conceptual design framework for SPD covering detector subsystems, data acquisition, control, simulation, and beam testing.
• Assess practical aspects such as strategy, cost, and institutional involvement to enable construction and operation.

Proposed method

• Describe the overall SPD design philosophy and subsystem integration.
• Outline data acquisition (DAQ), slow control, and software components required for SPD operations.
• Discuss Monte Carlo (MC) simulations and services needed for detector performance studies.
• Provide a high-level plan for beam tests and validation of SPD concepts.
• Summarize strategy and cost considerations, including institutional responsibilities.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 What are the essential detector subsystems and their integration needed to realize spin-physics measurements with SPD?
• RQ2 What DAQ, slow control, and software frameworks are required to support SPD operations and spin-physics analyses?
• RQ3 What is the experimental strategy (beam tests, validation, and commissioning) to demonstrate SPD performance for spin measurements?
• RQ4 What are the cost, institutional, and collaboration considerations necessary to move SPD from concept to construction?

Key findings

• A coherent, end-to-end conceptual design for SPD is proposed, addressing detector architecture, DAQ, and software needs.
• A plan for Monte Carlo simulations and service infrastructure is described to support design and performance studies.
• Beam-test strategies and validation steps are outlined to verify SPD concepts before full-scale construction.
• Cost and institutions sections indicate important practical factors for project realization and collaboration structure.