Status of the DIRC Detector at Babar: Early Operational Experience

A novel type of Cherenkov ring imaging particle identification system (DIRC) based on the detection of ring images produced in long, fused silica radiator bars is being used to provide hadronic particle identification in the BABAR detector at PEP-II. The DIRC concept, design, fabrication, and initial performance will be briefly described. The DIRC is now fully commissioned, and has been operating in the BABAR detector on beam line at the PEP-II B Factory since late Spring 1999.