Measurements of ultra-high energy lead ions using silicon and diamond detectors

Abstract A silicon detector and a diamond detector have been used at the SPS experimental North Area at CERN for diagnostics of beams of ultra-high energy lead ions (150 GeV/nucleon). The detectors are operated in pulse mode using a fast digital electronic chain. The discrimination capability of the two detectors is investigated using deposited energy and pulse shape analysis. It is shown that the detectors have good beam monitoring performances and can discriminate the main lead ion beam component from contamination of light and heavy fragments.