Cosmic Piano: a modular scintillator-based muon detector for scientific outreach

Abstract We present the Cosmic Piano, a scintillator-based muon detector designed for scientific outreach and education. The Cosmic Piano consists of modules made up of plastic scintillators with embedded wavelength-shifting fibres and avalanche photodiode readout electronics. The detector produces a musical note and a flash of light whenever a muon passes through one of its modules, providing an intuitive and engaging visualization of particle physics phenomena. Its compact design, ease of use, and adaptability make it a versatile tool for outreach activities and public engagement. The Cosmic Piano has been demonstrated successfully at high-profile events such as the Montreux Jazz Festival and the EuroScience Open Forum. This paper details the design, construction, and operation of the Cosmic Piano, emphasizing its applications in making particle physics accessible to a wider audience.