Cherenkov-light based detectors, and in particular RICH detectors, are occupying an increasingly essential place in high-energy experiments, in which non-destructive, positive particle identification is required.

CERN has a tradition in carrying out R&D in the field and has hosted major actors for many years, who helped defining methods and goals. Previous R&D efforts have led to detector development for various experiments with most recent example the two RICH detectors of the LHCb. Given the strong interest in flavour physics, stemming from the current experimental programme at the LHC, future colliders are expected to include a rigorous flavour-physics programme. Therefore, it seems fitting to propose continuing to pursue a strong R&D activity on RICH detectors. 

In the context of the proposed technological R&D programme, CERN will concentrate on the development of optical hardware and low-temperature systems for the photodetectors, assuming that these will be SiPM detectors, whose dark noise rate—increased due to radiation damage—can be mitigated via its operational temperature.

CERN has a long tradition and the required infrastructure for the development of mirrors with enhanced reflectivity (DELPHI, COMPASS, LHCb, NA61) and also for the development and production of lightweight optical structures based on composite materials.