A New Framework for Synchrotron Radiation Studies in the EIC Experiment

Abstract: The Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) is a cutting-edge particle accelerator aimed at investigating the fundamental structure of matter by colliding high-energy polarized electron beams with ions. To explore dense gluon systems and uncover the origins of nucleon mass and spin, the EIC will operate at high beam currents and luminosities. However, this approach raises beam-induced background rates, notably from synchrotron radiation (SR), which poses significant challenges to the performance and longevity of the Electron-Proton/Ion Collider (ePIC) general-purpose spectrometer placed at the interaction point (IP). This paper presents a newly developed Monte-Carlo simulation framework for accurately modeling SR backgrounds in the detector, focusing on the reflection of X-ray photons on vacuum-metal interfaces. Utilizing the extensive capabilities of Geant4 for particle-matter interactions and propagation through the geometry, the study provides first estimates of SR rates in ePIC. The results also propose countermeasures to protect sensitive electronics, ensuring stable and reliable detector operation within the EIC environment.