Abstract: The Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB accelerator has started its physics data taking with the full detector setup in March 2019. It aims to collect 40 times more e+e- collision data compared with its predecessor Belle experiment. The Belle II pixel detector (PXD) is based on the Depleted P-channel Field Effect Transistor (DEPFET) technology. The PXD plays an important role in the tracking and vertexing of the Belle II detector. Its two layers are arranged at radii of 14 mm and 22 mm around the interaction point. The sensors are thinned down to 75 μm to minimize multiple scattering, and each module has interconnects and ASICs integrated on the sensor with silicon frames for mechanical support. PXD showed good performance during data taking. It also faces several operational challenges due to the high background level from the SuperKEKB accelerator, such as the damage from beam loss events, the drift in the HV working point due to radiation effect, and the impact of the high background.

Abstract: The high design luminosity of the SuperKEKB electron–positron collider will result in challenging levels of beam-induced backgrounds in the interaction region. Understanding and mitigating these backgrounds is critical to the success of the Belle II experiment. We report on the first background measurements performed after roll-in of the Belle II detector, a period known as SuperKEKB Phase 2, utilizing both the BEAST II system of dedicated background detectors and the Belle II detector itself. We also report on first revisions to the background simulation made in response to our findings. Backgrounds measured include contributions from synchrotron radiation, beam-gas, Touschek, and injection backgrounds. At the end of Phase 2, single-beam backgrounds originating from the 4 GeV positron Low Energy Ring (LER) agree reasonably well with simulation, while backgrounds from the 7 GeV electron High Energy Ring (HER) are approximately one order of magnitude higher than simulation. We extrapolate these backgrounds forward and conclude it is safe to install the Belle II vertex detector.

Abstract: The Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB electron-positron collider aims to collect an unprecedented data set of 50 ab-1 to study CP-violation in the B-meson system and to search for Physics beyond the Standard Model. SuperKEKB is already the world's highest-luminosity collider. In order to collect the planned data set within approximately one decade, the target is to reach a peak luminosity of 6 x 1035 cm-2 s-1by further increasing the beam currents and reducing the beam size at the interaction point by squeezing the betatron function down to betay* = 0.3 mm. To ensure detector longevity and maintain good reconstruction performance, beam backgrounds must remain well controlled. We report on current background rates in Belle II and compare these against simulation. We find that a number of recent refinements have significantly improved the background simulation accuracy. Finally, we estimate the safety margins going forward. We predict that backgrounds should remain high but acceptable until a luminosity of at least 2.8 x 1035 cm-2 s-1is reached for betay* = 0.6 mm. At this point, the most vulnerable Belle II detectors, the Time-of-Propagation (TOP) particle identification system and the Central Drift Chamber (CDC), have predicted background hit rates from single-beam and luminosity backgrounds that add up to approximately half of the maximum acceptable rates.