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Abstract: We describe the advantages of the cluster counting techniques over the traditional ways of integrating the ionization charge for particle identification for the purpose of particle identification. We also discuss the improvement in the determination of the impact parameter resolution in a drift cell using cluster timing techniques instead of considering only the arrival time of the first electron. Finally, we illustrate a possible way to define a fast trigger/filter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The design of a tracking detector for electrons in a magnetic field consisting of a drift chamber is discussed. The chosen materials for its construction must be light to minimize the effects of the subatomic particles interactions with the chamber walls. Low-density materials and very thin wall thicknesses are therefore needed. From a mechanical engineering point of view, it is important to analyse the drift chamber structure and define the conditions to which it is subject in terms of both mechanical loads and geometric constraints. The analysis of the structural response of the drift chamber has been performed through the Finite Element Method (FEM) as implemented in the commercial software ANSYS and its interface for the analysis for composite structures ACP (Ansys Composite Pre/Post). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We developed a high performance full chain for drift chamber signals processing. The Front End electronics is a multistage amplifier board based on high performance commercial devices. In addition a fast readout algorithm for Cluster Counting and Timing purposes has been implemented on a Xilinx-Virtex 4 core FPGA. The algorithm analyzes and stores data coming from a Helium based drift tube and represents the outcome of balancing between efficiency and high speed performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Low pressure helium/hydrocarbons mixtures are a key ingredient for next generation ultra-light drift chambers. Besides the obvious advantage of limiting the contribution to the momentum measurement due to multiple scattering, the operation at low pressure allows for a broad range of the drift chamber working parameters like drift velocity, diffusion, specific ionization and gas gain. Low pressure operation is of particular advantage for experiments where the tracking detector operates in vacuum. We present our campaign to characterize electron drift, primary ionization yield, gas gain, stability and the relative spatial resolution in helium based mixtures at absolute pressures down to 100 mbar. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We presents a novel technique for the fast assembly of next generation ultra low mass drift chambers offering space point resolution of the order of 100 μm and high tolerance to pile-up. The chamber design has been developed keeping in mind the requirements for the search of rare processes: high resolutions (order of 100–200 KeV/c) for particles momenta in a range (50–100 MeV/c) totally dominated by the multiple scattering contribution (e.g., muon and kaon decay experiment such as MEG at PSI and Mu2e and ORKA at Fermilab). We describe a novel wiring strategy enabling the semiautomatic wiring of a complete layer with a high degree of control over wire tension and position. We also present feed-through-less wire anchoring system. These techniques have been already implemented at INFN-Lecce in the construction of a prototype drift chamber to be soon tested with cosmic rays and particle beams. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We present the research and development activities performed at the Istituto Nazione di Fisica Nucleare (INFN) sezione di Pisa about the new drift chamber for the MEG experiment upgrade. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Spherical Neutral Detector (SND) is a general purpose non-magnetic detector for experiments at VEPP-2000 collider in Novosibirsk in the energy range . Charged particle track coordinates are measured using drift and proportional chambers placed in a common gas volume. Particle identification is performed using energy deposition in the drift chamber at low particle momenta and aerogel threshold counters at high particle momenta . Photon energies are measured using 3-layer spherical electromagnetic calorimeter. Muons penetrating the detector and cosmic background muons are detected by the muon system based on proportional tubes and plastic scintillator counters. At present the detector is operating at VEPP-2000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A project called DCBA (Drift Chamber Beta-ray Analyzer) is in progress at KEK in order to search for the events of neutrinoless double beta decay. For investigating technical problems, a test apparatus called DCBA-T has been constructed. The preliminary results of its engineering run are described together with the simulation studies of backgrounds originating from 214Bi and 208Tl. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A magnetic momentum-analyzer is being developed at KEK for neutrinoless double beta decay experiment called DCBA (Drift Chamber Beta-ray Analyzer, inverted ABCD). A lot of thin plates of 150Nd compound are installed in tracking detectors located in a uniform magnetic field. The three-dimensional position information is obtained for the helical track of a beta ray. More R&D will be studied using the second test apparatus DCBA-T2, which is now under construction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]