An aerogel RICH detector for the next generation heavy-ion experiment at LHC

The ALICE collaboration is proposing a new apparatus, ALICE 3, to investigate the Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP) properties. In this context, conceptual studies for the development of a RICH detector for ALICE 3 are ongoing. The proposed baseline layout is a proximity-focusing RICH, using aerogel (refractive index n = 1.03 at Aph = 400 nm) as Cherenkov radiator and a layer of Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPM) for the photon detection. A multi-layer (focusing) aerogel layout, with increasing refractive index, is also considered. If good time resolution of approximate to 20 ps can be achieved in the SiPM photons detectors, they can be able to identify charged hadrons via TOF measurements. The detector specifications and performance, obtained by means of dedicated Monte Carlo simulation, are presented. The R&D challenges related to the proposed design are also discussed.