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Micro-pattern gaseous detectors (MPGDs) are a promising readout technology for hadronic calorimeters (HCAL) thanks to their good spatial resolution, longevity and rate capability. We describe the development of a HCAL based on MPGDs for an experiment at the proposed Muon Collider. The design of a semi-digital MPGD-HCAL is shown and its performance is calculated with Monte Carlo simulations with high-energy pions, showing an energy resolution down to 8% for 80 GeV pions. We also present the performance of twelve MPGD prototypes with different technologies (MicroMegas, μ -RWELL and RPWELL) assembled and operated in test beam first with high-energy muons and later with pions in a hadronic calorimeter prototype of ∼ 1 λ I length; the detectors have a good response uniformity (lower than 17%) and spatial resolution and their performance in the calorimeter shows very good agreement with the Monte Carlo shower calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resistive Micromegas technology can stably operate up to O (10 MHz/cm 2) particle rate thanks to novel resistive spark-protection structures suitable for readout pads of a few mm 2 area. These structures are made by Diamond-Like-Carbon (DLC) in a double-layer configuration in most of the investigated detectors with active surfaces of about 25 cm 2 and in the new one with an active area of about 400 cm 2. The performance in terms of gain, rate capability, robustness, dependence on the irradiated area, and space–time dedicated studies will be presented. With the proven high performance of the medium size detector and the already-started construction of a high granularity resistive Micromegas with an even larger area, our R&D is reaching the goal of establishing the technology for future large-scale and high-rate employment in Particle Physics and other fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optically read out gaseous detectors are used in track reconstruction and imaging applications requiring high granularity images. Among resolution-determining factors, the amplification stage plays a crucial role and optimizations of detector geometry are pursued to maximize spatial resolution. To compare Micro Pattern Gaseous Detector (MPGD) technologies, focused low-energy X-ray beams at the SOLEIL synchrotron facility were used to record and extract point spread function widths with MICRO-Mesh Gaseous Structure (icromegas) and Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors. Point spread function width of ≈ 108 µm for Micromegas and ≈ 127 µm for GEM foils were extracted. The scanning of the beam with different intensities, energies and across the detector active region can be used to quantify resolution-limiting factors and improve imaging detectors using MPGD amplification stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Micro-Resistive Groove (μ RGroove) is a single-stage Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detector (MPGD) with a groove amplification pattern. The resistive protection electrode is Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC), ensuring the detector achieves gas gain (≥ 10 4) and maintains good stability. The top copper layer of the groove is strip-shaped and can be grounded for 1D-strip readout. Therefore, only an additional 1D-strip is required to achieve 2D spatial resolution. Because the 2D readout is divided on both sides of the amplification structure, the induced charge-sharing effect is avoided, effectively increasing the induced signal amplitude, which is beneficial for applications of large-area tracking and cylindrical MPGD. In this study, we present the design and performance of the 10 cm × 10 cm μ RGroove prototype, which can achieve an effective gain of 2 × 1 0 4 , an energy resolution of approximately 25%, a maximum detection efficiency close to 98%, and 2D spatial resolution better than 80 μ m. It also introduces the 50 cm × 50 cm large-area μ RGroove, which shows preliminary results with a detection efficiency > 96% and 2D spatial resolution better than 100 μ m , meeting the normal requirements for large-area tracking detection. Finally, it discusses the progress of the low-mass cylindrical μ RGroove, with the first prototype having an effective area of 13. 1 cm in diameter and 10 cm in length. Its energy resolution is ∼ 26% measured by 55Fe and further beam tests being planned. This design is expected to become a practical solution for the inner tracker of the STCF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cylindrical GEM Inner Tracker (CGEM-IT) is the detector designed to replace the innermost part of the Multilayer Drift Chamber (MDC) of the Beijing Spectrometer III (BESIII) experiment, which is affected by an aging-related decrease in performance. The new detector's construction was completed in August 2023 and the project has now entered its commissioning stage. This article offers an overview of the project and reports the first results of the cosmic ray data-taking with the complete CGEM-IT, the purpose of which is to validate its performance before installation in late 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the uRANIA-V project, new gaseous detector technologies for neutron detection were explored. The first is the micro-Resistive WELL (μ -RWELL), a compact resistive MPGD with a single amplification stage. The second is the surface-Resistive Plate Counter (sRPC), a new generation RPC based on surface resistivity. Both detectors used 10B 4 C converters to detect thermal neutrons, achieving efficiencies of 5–10 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reviews various methods used to minimize the probability of discharge occurrence in MPGDs or to mitigate the effect of spark discharges on the detector system. These include techniques that can reduce the probability that the fundamental discharge limits of MPGD structures are reached during detector operation, methods based on the HV scheme optimization, or the implementation of resistive electrodes to enhance local discharge quenching capabilities in an amplification structure. In addition, design optimization and quality control methods to ensure stable, long-term operation of an MPGD-based detector, are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The BESIII experiment has been collecting data since 2009 at the e + e − collider BEPCII in Beijing, a charm- τ factory characterized by high statistics and high precision. The discovery of exotic charmonium-like states and the still open questions in low-energy QCD led to an extension of the experimental program, with several upgrades. This review focuses on the CGEM-IT, the innovative solution proposed to replace the current inner tracker, which is aging. It consists of three, co-axial, cylindrical triple-GEM detectors and will be the first cylindrical GEM operating inside a 1 T magnetic field with analogue readout. For this purpose, a dedicated mixed-signal ASIC for the readout of CGEM-IT signals and FPGA-based electronics for data processing have been developed. The simultaneous measurement of both ionization charge and time distribution enables three reconstruction algorithms, to cope with the asymmetry of the electron avalanche in the magnetic field and with non-orthogonal incident tracks. The CGEM-IT will not only restore the design efficiency but also improve the secondary vertex reconstruction and the radiation tolerance. The gas mixture and gain settings were chosen to optimize the position resolution to ∼130 µm in the transverse plane and better than 350 µm along the beam direction. This paper addresses the innovative aspects in terms of construction, readout, and software, employed to achieve the design goals as well as the experimental measurements performed during the development and commissioning of the CGEM-IT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data logging and complex algorithm implementations acting on multichannel systems with independent devices require the use of time synchronization. In the case of Gas Electron Multipliers (GEM) and Thick-GEM (THGEM) detectors, the biasing potential can be generated at the detector level via DC to DC converters operating at floating voltage. In this case, high voltage isolation buffers may be used to allow communication between the different channels. However, their use add non-negligible delays in the transmission channel, complicating the synchronization. Implementation of a simplified precise time protocol is presented for handling the synchronization on the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) side of a Xilinx SoC Zynq ZC7Z030. The synchronization is done through a high voltage isolated bidirectional network interface built on a custom board attached to a commercial CIAA_ACC carrier. The results of the synchronization are shown through oscilloscope captures measuring the time drift over long periods of time, achieving synchronization in the order of nanoseconds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The BESIII experiment has been collecting data since 2009 at the e+e− collider BEPCII in Beijing, a charm-τ factory characterized by high statistics and high precision. The discovery of exotic charmonium-like states and the still open questions in low-energy QCD led to an extension of the experimental program, with several upgrades. This review focuses on the CGEM-IT, the innovative solution proposed to replace the current inner tracker, which is aging. It consists of three, co-axial, cylindrical triple-GEM detectors and will be the first cylindrical GEM operating inside a 1 T magnetic field with analogue readout. For this purpose, a dedicated mixed-signal ASIC for the readout of CGEM-IT signals and FPGA-based electronics for data processing have been developed. The simultaneous measurement of both ionization charge and time distribution enables three reconstruction algorithms, to cope with the asymmetry of the electron avalanche in the magnetic field and with non-orthogonal incident tracks. The CGEM-IT will not only restore the design efficiency but also improve the secondary vertex reconstruction and the radiation tolerance. The gas mixture and gain settings were chosen to optimize the position resolution to ∼130 µm in the transverse plane and better than 350 µm along the beam direction. This paper addresses the innovative aspects in terms of construction, readout, and software, employed to achieve the design goals as well as the experimental measurements performed during the development and commissioning of the CGEM-IT.

Data logging and complex algorithm implementations acting on multichannel systems with independent devices require the use of time synchronization. In the case of Gas Electron Multipliers (GEM) and Thick-GEM (THGEM) detectors, the biasing potential can be generated at the detector level via DC to DC converters operating at floating voltage. In this case, high voltage isolation buffers may be used to allow communication between the different channels. However, their use add non-negligible delays in the transmission channel, complicating the synchronization. Implementation of a simplified precise time protocol is presented for handling the synchronization on the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) side of a Xilinx SoC Zynq ZC7Z030. The synchronization is done through a high voltage isolated bidirectional network interface built on a custom board attached to a commercial CIAA_ACC carrier. The results of the synchronization are shown through oscilloscope captures measuring the time drift over long periods of time, achieving synchronization in the order of nanoseconds.

In this paper, an online vertex reconstruction algorithm based on an artificial neural network (ANN) was proposed for the micro-pattern gaseous detector (MPGD). A simulation based on Geant4 was performed to generate the training and testing samples for the two cascade neural networks. Compared with a center-of-mass reconstruction, the proposed method shows better precision and much higher efficiency. Furthermore, a scheme for implementing the proposed algorithm on a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) chip is also presented to demonstrate that the algorithm could be integrated in a modern data acquisition (DAQ) system for online imaging techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gaseous Detector with Germanium Tagging (GADGET) is a new detection system devoted to the measurement of weak, low-energy β -delayed proton decays relevant for nuclear astrophysics studies. It is comprised of a new gaseous Proton Detector equipped with a Micromegas readout for charged particle detection, surrounded by the existing Segmented Germanium Array (SeGA) for the high-resolution detection of the prompt γ -rays. In this work we describe in detail for the first time the design, construction, and operation of the GADGET system, including performance of the Proton Detector. We present the results of a recent commissioning experiment performed with 25Si beam at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL). GADGET provided low-background, low-energy β -delayed proton detection with efficiency above 95%, and relatively good efficiency for proton-gamma coincidences (2.7% at 1.37 MeV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several muon telescopes have been developed in the last years at CEA-Saclay. Benefitting from 15 years of R&D on Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs) and from several recent innovations, these telescopes yield unprecedented resolution for real-time instruments, and allow for high-definition muography imaging. As a first application, three of them were deployed around Khufu's Pyramid from 2015 to 2017, showing very good performance and stability in harsh conditions. They also provided the first-ever detection of internal structures of a pyramid from the outside, and participated in the discovery of a large void above the Grand Gallery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After pioneering gaseous detectors of single photon for RICH applications using CsI solid state photocathodes in MWPCs within the RD26 collaboration and by the constructions for the RICH detector of the COMPASS experiment at CERN SPS, in 2016 we have upgraded COMPASS RICH by novel gaseous photon detectors based on MPGD technology. Four novel photon detectors, covering a total active area of 1. 5 m 2 have been installed in order to cope with the challenging efficiency and stability requirements of the COMPASS physics programme. They are the first application in an experiment of MPGD-based single photon detectors. All aspects of the upgrade are presented, including engineering, mass production, quality assessment and performance. Perspectives for further developments in the field of gaseous single photon detectors are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PICOSEC detection concept consists in a "two-stage" Micromegas detector coupled to a Cherenkov radiator and equipped with a photocathode. A proof of concept has already been tested: a single-photoelectron response of 76 ps has been measured with a femtosecond UV laser at CEA/IRAMIS, while a time resolution of 24 ps with a mean yield of 10.4 photoelectrons has been measured for 150 GeV muons at the CERN SPS H4 secondary line. This work will present the main results of this prototype and the performance of the different detector configurations tested in 2016–2018 beam campaigns: readouts (bulk, resistive, multipad) and photocathodes (metallic+CsI, pure metallic, diamond). Finally, the prospects for building a demonstrator based on PICOSEC detection concept for future experiments will be discussed. In particular, the scaling strategies for a large area coverage with a multichannel readout plane, the R&D on solid converters for building a robust photocathode and the different resistive configurations for a robust readout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Micro-Resistive WELL (μ RWELL) detector is a novel spark-protected Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detector (MPGD) with a single well-type amplification stage. By integrating a well-type amplification structure with a resistive electrode on a readout board (μ RWELL PCB), the μ RWELL detector is only composed of a cathode PCB and a μ RWELL PCB, resulting in a very simple assembling process without any gluing, stretching, tensioning or other complicated operation commonly practiced in assemblies of other MPGDs. A critical component of the μ RWELL detector is the resistive electrode that is responsible for spark suppression, and hence maintains stable operation of the detector. In this paper, we present a 10 cm × 10 cm μ RWELL detector with two layers readout strips perpendicular to each other. Its resistive electrode is made of a thin coating of Diamond-Like Carbon by magnetron sputtering technique. The gain performance and rate capability of this μ RWELL detector were systematically studied with X-rays, and its detection efficiency and spatial resolution were measured with a test beam. The detector can achieve a spatial resolution better than 70 μ m in both dimensions while the detection efficiency is higher than 90%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The evolution and the present status of the gaseous photon detectors technologies are reviewed. The most recent developments in several branches of the field are described, in particular the installation and commissioning of the first large area MPGD-based detectors of single photons on COMPASS RICH-1. Investigation of novel detector architectures, different materials and various applications are reported, and the quest for visible light gaseous photon detectors is discussed. The progress on the use of gaseous photon detector related techniques in the field of cryogenic applications and gaseous or liquid scintillation imaging are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract COMPASS is a fixed target experiment at CERN SPS aimed to study Hadron Structure and Spectroscopy. Hadron Identification in the momentum range between 3 and 55 GeV/c is provided by a large gaseous Ring Imaging Cherenkov Counter (RICH-1). To cope with the challenges imposed by the new physics program of COMPASS, RICH-1 has been upgraded by replacing four MWPCs based photon detectors with newly developed MPGD based photon detectors. The architecture of the novel detectors is a hybrid combination of two layers of THGEMs and a MicroMegas. The top of the first THGEM is coated with CsI acting as a reflective photo-cathode. The anode is segmented in pads capacitively coupled to the APV-25 based readout. The new hybrid detectors have been commissioned during 2016 COMPASS data taking and stably operated during 2017 run. In this paper all aspects of the novel photon detectors for COMPASS RICH-1 are discussed. Highlights • For the first time, single photons are detected by MPGDbased photon detectors in the upgrade of COMPASS RICH1. • The novel photon detectors are hybrid ones including two THGEM layers and a MicroMegas multiplication stage. The first THGEM also acts as photoconverting layer (CsI). • In 2017 the novel MPGDbased photon detectors have operated stably at gains above 1 0 4 for the first time in an experimental environment. • m 2 The detector deadtime due to current sparks is kept minimum; spark rate 10/day/ m 2 with recovery time 10 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fast Timing Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detector (FTM) has been recently introduced as a promising alternative for applications that require improved time resolution, such as high-luminosity accelerators and medical imaging. The FTM consists of a stack of several coupled gas layers alternating drift and multiplication stages. The time resolution is determined by the time of the fastest signal among all amplification stages, read out by external electrodes through capacitive couplings. In the present work, we use the Garfield++ simulation toolkit in order to investigate and optimize the FTM performances. Gain, timing, and efficiency of the FTM are studied as a function of different parameters, such as detector geometry, gas mixture, and applied electric fields. The simulations that are presented in this paper show that a time resolution as low as 160 ps can be reached with a 32-layers FTM.

The next generation of gaseous photon detectors is requested to overcome the limitations of the available technology, in terms of resolution and robustness. The quest for a novel photocathode, sensitive in the far vacuum ultra violet wavelength range and more robust than present ones, motivated an R&D programme to explore nanodiamond based photoconverters, which represent the most promising alternative to cesium iodine. A procedure for producing the novel photocathodes has been defined and applied on THGEMs samples. Systematic measurements of the photo emission in different Ar/CH 4 and Ar/CO 2 gas mixtures with various types of nanodiamond powders have been performed. A comparative study of the response of THGEMs before and after coating demonstrated their full compatibility with the novel photocathodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many types of detectors, such as cathode strip chambers, provide a possibility to reconstruct track positions by induced strip charges. There are two main types of algebraic methods for this purpose: center of gravity methods and little-known differential methods. In the differential methods, the coordinate is calculated by a ratio whose numerator and denominator are linear combinations of differences of strip charges. Instead of strip charges, one can also use increasing functions of strip charges. Only special cases of these methods have appeared in the literature. A consistent description of these methods is not yet presented. The center of gravity methods can also be improved. The comparative performance of the general differential methods and the center of gravity methods is unknown. This paper fills this gap. Many new generalized formulas for both types of methods are derived. Their performance is studied with a simplified simulation of a detector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an online vertex reconstruction algorithm based on an artificial neural network (ANN) was proposed for the micro-pattern gaseous detector (MPGD). A simulation based on Geant4 was performed to generate the training and testing samples for the two cascade neural networks. Compared with a center-of-mass reconstruction, the proposed method shows better precision and much higher efficiency. Furthermore, a scheme for implementing the proposed algorithm on a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) chip is also presented to demonstrate that the algorithm could be integrated in a modern data acquisition (DAQ) system for online imaging techniques.

Abstract Micro pattern gaseous detectors have been widely used in position measurements of particle detection in the last two decades. In this work a novel method of track identification and reconstruction was developed for fast neutron detection. In this method the γ background could be eliminated as their signal duration is shorter. According to the analysis based on simulation data, with an incident neutron flux of 1 0 9 s − 1 and a 9-to-1 γ -neutron ratio, this method achieved a detection efficiency of 0.4% for fast neutron, with a position resolution of 0.3 mm. To demonstrate this method, a measurement of 241Am was also done and the detail of the data acquisition system used in the measurement was presented. Based on this method, an on-line tracking system can be built in an FPGA-based data acquisition system to significantly improve both the capability of counting rate and the spatial resolution. Highlights • The strong γ background can be rejected while the spatial resolution keeps below 0.3 mm. • The neutron flux can be as high as 1 0 9 n/s ⋅ cm 2. • The method is mostly composed of logic operation, which is easy to be implemented by the FPGA technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The prospect of pileup induced backgrounds at the High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) has stimulated intense interest in developing technologies for charged particle detection with accurate timing at high rates. The required accuracy follows directly from the nominal interaction distribution within a bunch crossing (σ z ∼ 5 cm, σ t ∼ 170 ps). A time resolution of the order of 20–30 ps would lead to significant reduction of these backgrounds. With this goal, we present a new detection concept called PICOSEC, which is based on a “two-stage” Micromegas detector coupled to a Cherenkov radiator and equipped with a photocathode. First results obtained with this new detector yield a time resolution of 24 ps for 150 GeV muons, and 76 ps for single photoelectrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The μ -RWELL is a compact spark-protected single amplification stage Micro-Pattern-Gaseous-Detector (MPGD). The detector amplification stage is realized with a polyimide structure, micro-patterned with a dense matrix of blind-holes, integrated into the readout structure. The anode is formed by a thin Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) resistive layer separated by an insulating glue layer from the readout strips. The introduction of the resistive layer strongly suppressing the transition from streamer to spark gives the possibility to achieve large gains ( > 10 4 ), without significantly affecting the capability to be efficiently operated in high particle fluxes. In this work we present the results of a systematic study of the μ -RWELL performance as a function of the DLC resistivity. The tests have been performed either with collimated 5.9 keV X-rays or with pion and muon beams at the SPS Secondary Beamline H4 and H8 at CERN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy resolution capability of gaseous detectors is being used in the last years to perform studies on the detection of characteristic X-ray lines emitted by elements when excited by external radiation sources. One of the most successful techniques is the Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis. Recent developments in the new generation of micropatterned gaseous detectors (MPGDs), triggered the possibility not only of recording the photon energy, but also of providing position information, extending their application to EDXRF imaging. The relevant features and strategies to be applied in gaseous detectors in order to better fit the requirements for EDXRF imaging will be reviewed and discussed, and some application examples will be presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review investigates the advantages and disadvantages of gaseous radiation detectors when compared with solid-state detectors, for use in radiation imaging, which are caused by the differing properties of gases and solids. Imaging applications for which micro-pattern gas detectors (MPGDs) are superior, include neutron imaging, high-linear-energy-transfer (LET) radiation imaging, and low-energy-depositing radiation imaging. This paper is focused on these applications where MPGDs, in particular, the glass gas electron multiplier (G-GEM), are superior, and their development is described and relevant experimental results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The RICH-1 Detector of the COMPASS experiment at CERN SPS has undergone an important upgrade for the 2016 physics run. Four new photon detectors, based on Micro Pattern Gaseous Detector technology and covering a total active area larger than 1.2 m 2 have replaced the previously used MWPC-based photon detectors. The upgrade answers the challenging efficiency and stability quest for the new phase of the COMPASS spectrometer physics programme. The new detector architecture consists in a hybrid MPGD combination of two Thick Gas Electron Multipliers and a MicroMegas stage. Signals, extracted from the anode pad by capacitive coupling, are read-out by analog F-E based on the APV25 chip. The main aspects of the COMPASS RICH-1 photon detectors upgrade are presented focussing on detector design, engineering aspects, mass production, the quality assessment and assembly challenges of the MPGD components. The status of the detector commissioning is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel Cherenkov detector upgrades favour GEM and ThickGEM (THGEM) based MPGD systems. These detectors have reduced ion backflow, fast signal formation, high gain, and could suppress the MIP signals as well. Sources of concern are the possible inefficiencies of the photo-electron collection from the top of the THGEM and the local variation of the gain related to geometrical non-uniformity. The developed high resolution scanner using a focused UV light gave the possibility to study single photo-electron response of MPGDs in the submillimeter scale. Revealing the microstructure of photo-efficiency and local gain provides a new tool to quantitatively compare different THGEM geometries and field-configurations, and thus optimize the detector parameters. The presentation described the key elements of the scanning system and focus, in particular, on the microstructure evolution of different Thick-GEM configurations providing optimization recipes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution and the present status of the gaseous photon detectors technology are reviewed. Recent developments in several branches of the field are described, in particular the installation of the first large area MPGD-based detectors of single photons for the upgrade of COMPASS RICH-1. Promising advancement in cryogenic and other applications of gaseous photon detector related techniques are mentioned and the quest for visible light gaseous photon detectors is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their simplicity and accuracy for reconstructing particle trajectories, Micromegas (Micro-MEsh-GAseous Structure) and Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors are commonly used as readout systems in Time Projection Chambers (TPCs). The main limitation of these two types of detectors is the ion backflow (IBF), which may result in space charge in a TPC. We present in this article a new Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detector (MPGD) structure, which combines a micro-mesh and a set made of a GEM surmounted by a micro-mesh at only a few hundreds μ m above. We report the performance results of two prototypes using this new structure, and compare them to a single Micromegas and a hybrid detector composed of a Micromegas and a GEM with a few millimeters gap. Finally, we show that this new detector is capable of reducing the ion backflow to less than 0.2% for a total gain of around 2000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-spatial-resolution X-ray-imaging gaseous detector has been developed with a single high-gas-gain glass gas electron multiplier (G-GEM), scintillation gas, and optical camera. High-resolution X-ray imaging of soft elements is performed with a spatial resolution of 281 µm rms and an effective area of 100×100 mm. In addition, high-resolution X-ray 3D computed tomography (CT) is successfully demonstrated with the gaseous detector. It shows high sensitivity to low-energy X-rays, which results in high-contrast radiographs of objects containing elements with low atomic numbers. In addition, the high yield of scintillation light enables fast X-ray imaging, which is an advantage for constructing CT images with low-energy X-rays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Thick Gas Electron Multiplier (THGEM) is a robust high-gain gas-avalanche electron multiplier – a building block of a variety of radiation detectors. It can be manufactured economically by standard printed-circuit drilling and etching technology. We present a detailed review of the THGEM and its derivatives. We focus on the physics phenomena that govern their operation and performances under different operation conditions. Technological aspects associated with the production of these detectors and their current and potential applications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TRICK is a project funded by the INFN CSN5 Young grant 2020. It will use an innovative 5D technique to provide information about 3D position, time, and ID of the incoming particles. The proposed idea is based on the well-known technology of GEM-based TPC together with conventional Aerogel proximity focussing RICH in a single box. Both parts, TPC and RICH, will be read out simultaneously and instrumented with the same TIGER ASIC developed for the BESIII CGEM-IT detector. By combining information from both systems, the TRICK technique will improve the performance of each instrument: precise time information will help the extraction of the TPC position, while tracking will help the rings identification, by measuring the expected centre, also in a magnetic field. The TRICK-box prototype, instrumented with triple-GEM and Hamamatsu H12700 MA-PMT, aims to achieve a spatial resolution of 100 μ m, time resolution below 1 ns, and 3 σ separation for π / K up to 4 GeV. This paper introduces the project and focuses on the initial studies with the prototype, the preparation of the first cosmic stand, and the next steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The micro-RWELL detector (μ -RWELL) is a single amplification stage resistive Micro Pattern Gaseous Detector (MPGD), based on a copper-clad polyimide foil patterned with a micro-well matrix coupled with the readout PCB through a DLC resistive film (10 ÷ 100 M Ω / □). For the phase-2 upgrade of the LHCb experiment, proposed for the LHC Run-5, the excellent performance of the current muon detector will need to be maintained at 40 times the pile-up level experienced during Run-2. Requirements are challenging for the innermost regions of the muon stations: the detectors should exhibit a rate capability up to 1 MHz / cm 2 and they are supposed to integrate a charge up to ∼ 1 C / cm 2 . In this framework an intense optimization program of the micro-RWELL technology has been launched in the last year, together with a technology transfer to the industry operating in the PCB field. In order to fulfill the requirements, a new layout of the detector with a very dense current evacuation grid of the DLC has been designed. The detector, co-produced by the CERN-EP-DT-MPT Workshop, lead by one of the authors, and the ELTOS Company, has been characterized in terms of rate capability exploiting a high intensity X-ray Philips 2217/20 gun with a spot size (10 ÷ 50 mm diameter) larger than the DLC grounding-pitch. A rate capability exceeding 10 MHz / cm 2 has been achieved, in agreement with previous results obtained with m.i.p. at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Villigen (CH). A long term stability test is in progress: a charge of about 5 mC / cm 2 has been integrated over a period of about 16 days. The test will continue, in harder conditions (larger gain and X-ray flux), with the goal to integrate about 1 C / cm 2 in one year, while a slice test of the detector is under preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the development and testing of a Micromegas detector prototype and its front end intended to be a candidate for the substitutions of some of the Multiwire Proportional Chambers in the future AMBER (NA66) experiment at CERN. Results of the test of the first small size prototype are discussed. • The Apparatus for Mesons and Baryon Experimental Research at CERN is requiring new detectors. • Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detector technology is a good candidate for the future upgrades. • MICRO-MEsh GAS detector read-out by the Torino Integrated Gem Electronics for Read-out ASIC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The IDEA detector concept has been designed to operate at a future large circular e + e − collider, like FCC-ee or CEPC. The IDEA detector has an innovative design with a central tracker enclosed in a superconducting solenoidal magnet. Going outwards, a preshower system followed by a dual readout calorimeter is foreseen. In the iron yoke, that closes the magnetic field, are then located three stations of muon detectors. The preshower and muon detectors are based on the μ -RWELL technology that inherits the best characteristics of the GEM, in particular the layout of the amplification stage, and Micromega detectors, that inspired the presence of a resistive stage. To profit of the industrial production capabilities of this technology, a modular design has been adopted for both systems: the μ -RWELL tile will have an active area of 50 × 50 cm 2 , but with a pitch between the readout strips of 400 μ m for the preshower and about 1 mm for the muon system. Other requirements are: a spatial resolution of the order of 100 μ m for the preshower and a reasonable total number of front-end channels for the muon system. To optimize the resistivity and the strip pitch, we have built a set of prototypes with active area of 5 × 40 cm 2 and 40 cm long strips. The DLC resistivity is ranging from 10 to 80 M Ω / □. All these detectors have been exposed in October 2021 to a muon beam at the CERN SPS. The very positive results obtained pave the way for a completely new and competitive MPGD tracking device for high energy physics experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extension of data acquisition for the BEijing Spectrometer (BESIII) experiment until at least 2030 has resulted in upgrades to both the accelerator and the detector. An innovative Cylindrical Gas Electron Multiplier (CGEM) is under construction to upgrade the inner tracker, which is suffering from aging. The CGEM Inner Tracker (CGEM-IT) was designed to restore efficiency and enhance the reconstruction of the secondary vertexes position. Reconstruction in the magnetic field of 1 T requires an analog readout and an electronic contribution to the time resolution better than 5 ns. The entire system consists of about 10,000 electronic channels and must maintain a peak rate of 14 kHz/strip of signal hits for the innermost layer of the CGEM-IT. The CGEM readout system is based on the innovative TIGER ASIC, which is manufactured using 110 nm CMOS technology. A special readout chain consisting of GEM Read Out Cards (GEMROC) was developed for data acquisition. Two of three layers, equipped with the final electronics, have been operating in Beijing since January 2020 collecting cosmic ray data in a test facility, remotely controlled by the Italian group due to the pandemic situation. Since it was not possible to perform further tests on the cylindrical detector, in July 2021, a test beam was conducted at CERN with the final electronics configuration on a small prototype consisting of four triple-GEM planar detectors. In this presentation, the general status of the project CGEM-IT will be presented, with particular emphasis on the results of the test beam data collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent developments have shown that coupling a Micromegas gaseous detector on a glass substrate with a transparent anode and a CMOS camera enables the optical readout of Micromegas detectors with a good spatial resolution, demonstrating that the glass Micromegas detector is well-suited for imaging. This feasibility test has been effectuated with low-energy X-ray photons also permitting energy resolved imaging. This test opens the way to different applications. Here we will focus on two applications. Namely, neutron imaging for non-destructive examination of highly gamma-ray emitting objects, such as irradiated nuclear fuel or radioactive waste. And secondly, we are developing a beta imager for the cell tagging in the field of anticancerous drug studies. Both applications require to design the detectors in view of the specific constraints of reactor dismantling and medical applications: spatial resolution and strong gamma suppression for neutron imaging and precise rate and energy spectrum measurements for the beta. A dedicated system consisting of a glass Micromegas detector and an ultrasensitive camera has been designed and assembled. Here we present the first results from the characterization of the detectors, as well as the first acquired images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]