Speaker
Description
GIF++ (Gamma Irradiation Facility) is a CERN multiuser facility dedicated to the characterization and qualification of particle detectors under radiation conditions as expected at the LHC (Large Hadron Collider) and the future HL-LHC. It combines a high-activity 137Cs gamma source, adjustable attenuation filters, and a high-energy muon beam, providing a unique environment for detector studies.
A cosmic muon trigger system is being developed for GIF++ and will become particularly important during LS3 (Long Shutdown 3), when the CERN accelerator complex will be unavailable for beam operation due to the upgrades required for the HL-LHC. The project includes all the development, detector simulation, acceptance studies, mechanical design, electronics integration, system assembly, commissioning, and performance evaluation.
This contribution presents an overview of the ongoing project and its current development status. The facility requirements, detector acceptance studies, simulation framework, data acquisition concepts, mechanical integration, and the different trigger system configurations under consideration will be discussed. Particular emphasis will be given to the design choices being evaluated and to the studies performed to assess their feasibility and performance for future operation at GIF++ during LS3.
Different detector technologies are being considered as candidates for the trigger system. The first simulation studies and commissioning activities presented in this work focus on spare CMS barrel RPCs, which constitute one of the available options due to their proven reliability and availability. These chambers continue to operate successfully after nearly two decades of service. Simulation results and initial characterization studies obtained with barrel RPCs will be presented, together with an overview of alternative detector solutions currently under evaluation. The results demonstrate the feasibility of constructing a robust and large-area cosmic trigger system capable of supporting detector R&D, quality control, and performance studies throughout the LS3 period.