July 13, 2002

Subatech, Nantes, France

Recorded by J. Nelson and T. Hallman

Present:

P. Jacobs, S. Vigdor, J. Dunlop, J. Thomas, W. Christie, G. Eppley, T. Hallman(Chair), M. Kaplan, J. Marx, H-G. Ritter

1. FPD Proposal

   Discussion began with focus on the proposal for a new forward pi zero detector. This detector is thought to be essential for polarized proton running in order to tune the spin rotators for STAR, to make measurements of left-right asymmetries for forward pi zeros produced by transversely polarized protons, and to take a first look at the gluon distribution in dAu collisions.

   A minimal initial configuration would include four detectors (two East and West), whereas to realize the complete reach of the proposal, 4 detectors on each side would be required.

   The initial findings of the review panel chaired by J. Symons were discussed. The panel judged the physics merit to be high, and the need for this detector for polarimetry to be essential. They also expressed concern however about the possibility the inclusive pi zero asymmetry might be zero (although first results seemed to indicate this was not the case), and that the debris in the Au direction in dAu collisions might prevent some of the proposed physics from being accomplished.

   It was noted that for a minimal configuration to be available in the coming run funds for PMTs would be needed soon.

   S.Vigdor indicated he would investigate whether it might be possible to loan PMTs (but bases are not available) from IUCF, provided a future purchase could replace them soon.

   It was also noted that funds would be needed immediately for some mechanical construction.

   Several simulations had yet to be done (e.g. the background in the gold direction in dAu collisions) and should be done as soon as possible.

   Advice to spokesman: the group should be encouraged to try to make progress towards the implementation of at least a minimal configuration for the next run. In particular they should start mechanical work, and accomplish simulations to finalize detector requirements. Full approval should wait until next meeting when it was expected that further analysis of the data in hand as well as simulations would be available.

    

2. MRPC ToF

   The status of the TOF proposal and first comments from the review panel were discussed. The panel felt that the physics case could be strengthened, as well as some practical aspects of the proposed construction project. Further simulations and figures concerning expected gains in scientific reach for STAR were noted to be needed.

   It was commented that this proposal is not tied directly to a possible proposed micro vertex detector. It was also noted that the strongest arguments presently made concerned e-by-e and charm physics topics.

   T. Hallman suggested a workshop in September to get a broad participation from the Collaboration focused on improving the proposal, and doing further simulations. He indicated he would get together a group to organize the workshop. It was noted that this was needed right away.

   The Advisory Board supported this suggestion.

    

3. Beam use request

   There was a discussion concerning Tim Hallman's strawman BUR proposal presented at the collaboration meeting. Concern was expressed about the 6 weeks needed (5 setup 1 week of AuAu) to calibrate the EMC and a question was raised whether or not this work could be accomplished with dAu. The question was also raised whether RHIC might startup with AuAu anyway as a way to start up efficiently; if so, the calorimeter could be calibrated during this period. W.Christie was asked to investigate both these questions.

   The Advisory Board concurred that dAu and polarized pp should have high priority in the BUR.

    

4. ExE working group

   There was a discussion which centered on how to improve efficient physics analysis and a good physics working group environment in the area of e-by-e physics. Suggestions were made concerning a possible person to co-convene with Gary Westfall for the existing ExE group as well as the establishment of a new Event Structure working group under the convenorship of L.Ray. Tim Hallman indicated that for the existing e-by-e convenor consideration the members of the group would be solicited for their opinions according to the standard agreed upon procedure.

   The Board encouraged the spokesman to pursue these possibilities in the broader interests of the collaboration.

    

5. Priorities for final installation/commissionig

   There was a brief discussion of the fact that it may be necessary due to finite time and resources to establish priorities for final installation and commissioning of detectors in the fall in preparation for the next run. The consensus was that this may be necessary but that it was too soon to have a detailed discussion and this would be visited later depending on the need.

   There was a brief discussion of the Endcap EMC construction and the tight schedule for the part of that detector scheduled to be installed before the next run. There was a consensus that all efforts should be made to install the EEMC under the assumption that the radiator sheet repairs could be completed on the time scale presented to the collaboration.

    

6. Piorities for end of year funds

   There was brief discussion concerning which project should have priority for any end of year funds that might be available. Projects considered were the FPD, the EEMC, and R&D for the Barrel TOF electronics. In view of the urgency of getting started on the FPD construction, and statements that the EEMC and TOF electronics R&D projects did not have needs as urgent on the time scale of a few months, it was decided the FPD would have priority for any end of year funds that might be availble to try to get started on installing a minimal implementation for the next run.