Study of scintillating digital hadron calorimeter prototypes

Hadron calorimeter will play a key role in the success of a future e+e Linear Collider Detector (LCD). The hadron calorimeter should provide excellent energy resolution (30%E) for jets, and a fine degree of segmentation. As a possible solution, we propose the use of a Scintillating Digital Hadron Calorimeter (SDHC), which consists of millions of small plastic scintillating cells. Wave Length Shifting (WLS) fibers, embedded in the cells, will be used in the readout system. The results of studies for cell shape and thickness, shape and depth of groove for the embedded fiber, and coating materials are reported. In a cosmic-ray test, 5 mm thick cells made from BC408 scintillating plastic with WLS BCF92 1 mm outer diameter fiber, provided 30 photo-electrons measured with a 80% quantum efficiency photo-cathode.