Speaker
Description
Recent developments of MicroPattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs), associated readout systems and versatile simulation tools by CERN’s Gaseous Detector Development (GDD) team focus on pixellated readout, precise timing, readout technologies and material studies for next-generation gaseous detectors. We will report on the latest results in different research lines and the relevance for optimising detector performance including spatial and temporal resolutions. The presented developments are performed in close collaboration with CERN’s MicroPattern Technologies Workshop (MPT) for realising novel MPGD structures by advanced manufacturing techniques.
Pixellated readout can provide high granularity for track reconstruction particularly in high-rate environments or imaging applications. Within the GDD laboratory, both electronic and optical pixellated readout approaches are investigated. To optimise signal coupling in an electronic readout configuration, hybrid detector structures with pixel readout ASICs directly integrated with the amplification structure are developed. First results from a mechanically coupled µRWELL detector with a Timepix4 chip show promising performance and progress towards a fully embedded hybrid detector will be reported. In contrast to the high readout rates and good timing resolution enabled by electronic pixellated readout, optical readout of scintillation light produced in amplification structures is suitable for single event imaging at low rates or for operating in an integrated mode, accumulating light from many events to provide high granularity images. Optical readout with GEMs or Glass Micromegas is adapted for beam monitoring and latest results from muon, electron and pion test beams will be presented. In addition to camera-based optical readout, SiPM readout of MPGDs is being explored for position reconstruction and precise timing.
Complementary to the high spatial resolution enabled by pixellated readout, precise timing detectors based on the PICOSEC Micromegas concept are developed. This detector combines a Cherenkov radiator with a semi-transparent photocathode and a two stage Micromegas amplification structure to achieve MIP timing resolution better than 15ps. Recent developments have demonstrated the scalability of the concept by operating a tileable 10cm x 10cm detector module with custom readout electronics for precise timing. In addition to optimisations of the amplification structure, novel photocathode materials are studied with promising performance both in time resolution as well as improved robustness against ion back flow.
In addition to improving the spatial and temporal performance of detectors, work on a new generation of the Scalable Readout System (SRS) is in progress in synergy with colleagues from the DRD1 collaboration. A new generation of the readout system is being developed which integrates the proven VMM front end electronics. New experimental approaches for front end electronics are explored.
Transversal to the above-mentioned research lines, simulation efforts are ongoing to exploit, develop and extend state-of-the-art simulation tools including Magboltz and Garfield++. Recent work on these tools allowed for the modelling of detectors with resistive elements as well as large avalanches.
We present the latest status of the different research lines with new results and an outlook for next development steps. Where applicable, the relevance of the achieved detector performance for potential applications will be highlighted.