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Abstract: The innovative GridPix detector is a Time Projection Chamber (TPC) that is read out with a Timepix-1 pixel chip. By using wafer post-processing techniques an aluminium grid is placed on top of the chip. When operated, the electric field between the grid and the chip is sufficient to create electron induced avalanches which are detected by the pixels. The time-to-digital converter (TDC) records the drift time enabling the reconstruction of high precision 3D track segments. Recently GridPixes were produced on full wafer scale, to meet the demand for more reliable and cheaper devices in large quantities. In a recent beam test the contribution of both diffusion and time walk to the spatial and angular resolutions of a GridPix detector with a 1.2mm drift gap are studied in detail. In addition long term tests show that in a significant fraction of the chips the protection layer successfully quenches discharges, preventing harm to the chip. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work we have investigated the functioning of high resistivity amorphous silicon and silicon-rich nitride layers as a protection against discharges in Micro-Patterned Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs). When the anode is protected by a high resistivity layer, discharge signals are limited in charge. A signal reduction is expected when the layers are too thick; simulations presented in this paper indicate that layers up to 10μm thick can be applied without significantly degrading the detector performance. Layers of amorphous silicon and silicon-rich nitride have been deposited on top of Timepix and Medipix2 chips in GridPix detectors; with this, chips survive naturally occurring as well as intentionally produced discharges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]