DAPHNE: a large-acceptance tracking detector for study of photoreactions at intermediate energies

A large-acceptance (94% of 4π sr) hadron detector capable of handling multiparticle final states is described. The track reconstruction capability, energy resolution, particle identification capability and neutral-particle detection efficiency of the detector are discussed and the results of tests shown. Tests have been performed both with cosmic rays and in a realistic experimental situation using a 500 MeV photon beam impinging on hydrogen and deuterium targets