A topological trigger based on the Time-of-Flight detector for the ALICE experiment

The goal of the ALICE Time-of-Flight detector, based on MRPC technology, is to perform the charged-particle identification at midrapidity, in the region vertical bar eta vertical bar <0.9. This large area (similar to 150 m(2)), finely segmented detector (similar to 157,000 channels), provides fast signals which will contribute to the Level 0 and Level I trigger decisions. We use the TOF detector information to perform an online estimate of the total track multiplicity and to identify simple and peculiar topologies, like those produced by minimum bias p-p, Ultra Peripheral ion-ion collisions and cosmic muons. The system architecture foresees a first layer of 72 VME boards interfacing the detector front-end to a second layer, which receives and processes all the information and takes trigger decisions. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.