A 5 ps TOF-counter with an MCP–PMT

Abstract We measured the timing resolution of TOF counters by means of Cherenkov-light detection with a Micro-Channel Plate Photo-Multiplier Tube, and attained σ TOF = 6.2 ps using 3 GeV / c pion-beams with a readout electronics of 4.1 ps resolution. The optimum radiator thickness was examined and the detectable number of photo-electrons was analyzed.