New-generation large-area muon scintillation counters with wavelength shifter fiber readout for CDF II

New scintillation counters have been designed and constructed for upgrading the CDF detector at Fermilab Tevatron. A novel light collection technique using wavelength shifting fibers, together with a high-quality polystyrene-based scintillator UPS 923A, has resulted in compact counters with good and stable light collection efficiency over their lengths extending up to 320 cm. The design, construction, and performance of the counters are presented. Properties of the fibers and the scintillator, such as light output, light attenuation, decay time, and long-term stability, are investigated. It is found that the polystyrene-based scintillator, unlike the polyvinyltoluene-based one, has properties more adequate for long-term experiments.