TORCH is a novel high-precision time-of-flight detector suitable for large area applications and
covering the momentum range up to 10 GeV/c. The concept uses Cherenkov photons produced
in a fused silica radiator which are propagated to focussing optics coupled to fast photodetectors.
For this purpose, custom MCP-PMTs are being produced in collaboration with industrial partners.
The development is divided into three phases. Phase 1 addresses the lifetime requirements for
TORCH, Phase 2 will customize the MCP-PMT granularity and Phase 3 will deliver prototypes
that meet the TORCH requirements. Phase 1 devices have been successfully delivered and initial
tests show stable gain performance for integrated anode current >5 C/cm2
and a single photon
time resolution of ≤ 30 ps. Initial simulations indicate the single photon timing resolution of the
TORCH detector will be ∼70 ps