The India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) collaboration, as part of its detector R\&D program, has developed prototype stacks of resistive plate chambers (RPCs) to study their performance. These stacks have also been used as testbenches for the development of related hardware and software. A crucial parameter in the characterisation of these detectors and other physics studies is the detection efficiency, which is estimated from track fitting of cosmic muons passing through the stack. So far, a simple straight line fit was used for track fitting, which was sensitive to noise hits and led to rejection of events. In this paper, we present our first results of using artificial neural networks (ANN) for track fitting of cosmic muons traversing a stack of RPCs. We present in detail, the simulation framework designed for this purpose and show that ANN offers better track reconstruction efficiency than straight line fitting. We also discuss the influence of noise and detection efficiency of cosmic muons on the track reconstruction efficiency.
A novel design of Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs), using only a single resistive plate, is being proposed. Based on this design, two large size prototype chambers were constructed and were tested with cosmic rays and in particle beams. The tests confirmed the viability of this new approach. In addition to showing an improved single-particle response compared to the traditional 2-plate design, the novel chambers also prove to be suitable for calorimetric applications.
The limitation of the detection rate of standard bakelite resistive plate chambers (RPC) used as muon detectors in the LHC experiments has prevented the use of such detectors in the high rate regions in both CMS and ATLAS detectors. One alternative to these detectors are RPCs made with low resistivity glass plates ($10^{10} {\rm Ω.cm}$), a beam test at DESY has shown that such detectors can operate at few thousand Hz/cm$^2$ with high efficiency(> 90%)
We present here detailed derivations of mathematical expressions for the accuracy in the arrival direction of particles estimated using a set of stacked resistive plate chambers (RPCs). The expressions are validated against experimental results using data collected from the prototype detectors (without magnet) of the upcoming India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO). We also present a theoretical estimate of angular resolution of such a setup. In principle, these expressions can be used for any other detector with an architecture similar to that of RPCs.
The Resistive Plate Chambers detector system at the CMS experiment at the LHC provides robustness and redundancy to the muon trigger. A total of 1056 double-gap chambers cover the pseudo-rapidity region < 1.6. The main detector parameters and environmental conditions are constantly and closely monitored to achieve operational stability and high quality data in the harsh conditions of the second run period of the LHC with center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. First results of overall detector stability with 2015 data and comparisons with data from the LHC RUN-1 period at 8 TeV are presented.
The DHCAL, the Digital Hadron Calorimeter, is a prototype calorimeter based on Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs). The design emphasizes the imaging capabilities of the detector in an effort to optimize the calorimeter for the application of Particle Flow Algorithms (PFAs) to the reconstruction of hadronic jet energies in a colliding beam environment. The readout of the chambers is segmented into 1 x 1 cm2 pads, each read out with a 1-bit (single threshold) resolution. The prototype with approximately 500,000 readout channels underwent extensive testing in both the Fermilab and CERN test beams. T…
The applications of Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) have recently been extended by the development of counters with time resolution below 100 ps sigma for minimum ionising particles. Applications to HEP experiments have already taken place and many further applications are under study. In this work we address the operating principles of such counters along with some present challenges, with emphasis on counter aging.
A large (240 cm $\times$ 120 cm $\times$ 0.2 cm) oil-free High Pressure Laminate (HPL), commonly referred as "bakelite", Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC) has been developed at VECC-Kolkata using locally available P-302 OLTC grade HPL. The chamber has been operated in streamer mode using Argon, Freon(R134a) and Iso-butane in a ratio of 34:57:9 by volume. The electrodes and glue samples have been characterised by measuring their electrical parameters like bulk resistivity and surface resistivity. The performance of the chamber has been studied by measuring the efficiency, its uniformity and stabili…
This work has been carried out to simulate a Resistive Plate Chamber and corroborate it with experimental measurements in order to develop a numerical tool for studying the performance of the device for any gas mixture. This will allow us to explore the feasibility of operating these chambers in their avalanche mode within the Iron Calorimeter setup at India-based Neutrino Observatory with any eco-friendly substitute. The simulation has considered a hydrodynamic model of charge transport to emulate the electronic and ionic growths in the device as a function of the applied voltage which determ…
Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC) is a type of gaseous detector having excellent time and position resolutions. VECC is involved in the R\&D of indigenously developed bakelite RPCs. The largest size of bakelite RPC developed in India is 100 cm $\times$ 100 cm. We present here the test results of a bakelite sample along with the cosmic ray test results of a bakelite RPC (30 cm $\times$ 30 cm $\times$ 0.2cm) fabricated at VECC. The steps taken towards the development of a large size (240 cm $\times$ 120 cm $\times$ 0.2 cm) bakelite RPC have also been discussed.
We developed a novel design of a Micro Pixel Chamber ($μ$-PIC) with resistive electrodes for a charged-particle-tracking detector in high-rate applications. Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) thin film is used for the cathodes. The resistivity can be controlled flexibly ($\mathrm{10^{5-7}kΩ/sq.}$) at high uniformity. The fabrication-process was greatly improved and the resistive $μ$-PIC could be operated at 10$\times$10 $\mathrm{cm^2}$. Resistors for the HV bias and capacitors for the AC coupling were completely removed by applying PCB and carbon-sputtering techniques, and the resistive $μ$-PIC became …
The recently approved India-based Neutrino Observatory will use the world's largest magnet to study atmospheric muon neutrinos. The 50 kiloton Iron Calorimeter consists of iron alternating with single-gap resistive plate chambers. A uniform magnetic field of $\sim$1.5 T is produced in the iron using toroidal-shaped copper coils. Muon neutrinos interact with the iron target to produce charged muons, which are detected by the resistive plate chambers, and tracked using orthogonal pick up strips. Timing information for each layer is used to discriminate between upward and downward traveling muons…
The ALICE Muon IDentifier is composed of 72 single-gap bakelite Resistive Plate Chambers, which have been operational since 2009 in maxi-avalanche mode (discrimination threshold:7 mV without amplification) with a Tetrafluoroethane/Isobutane/Sulfur Hexafluoride gas mixture, undergoing counting rates of the order of tens of Hz/cm^2. In this talk, the long-term performance and stability of the RPC system will be discussed, in terms of efficiency, dark current and dark rate. An assessment of potential signs of ageing observed on the detectors will be presented, together with a summary of the most …
The Micro Pixel Chamber (mu-PIC) using resistive electrodes has been developed and tested. The surface cathodes are made from resistive material, by which the electrical field is reduced when large current is flowed. Two-dimensional readouts are achieved by anodes and pickup electrodes, on which signals are induced. High gas gain (> 60000) was measured using 55Fe (5.9 keV) source, and very intensive spark reduction was attained under fast neutron. The spark rate of resistive mu-PIC was only 10^-4 times less than that of conventional mu-PIC at the gain of 10^4. With these developments, a new MP…
A new design of highly granular hadronic calorimeter using Glass Resistive Plate Chambers (GRPCs) with embedded electronics has been proposed for the future International Linear Collider (ILC) experiments. It features a 2-bit threshold semi-digital read-out. Several GRPC prototypes with their electronics have been successfully built and tested in pion beams. The design of these detectors is presented along with the test results on efficiency, pad multiplicity, stability and reproducibility.
As part of the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment Phase-II upgrade program, new Resistive Plate Chambers will be installed in the forward region. High background conditions are expected in this region during the high-luminosity phase of the Large Hadron Collider, therefore an improved RPC design has been proposed with a new front-end electronics to sustain a higher rate capability and better time resolution. A new technology is used in the front-end electronics resulting in very low achievable thresholds of the order of several fC. Crucial in the design of the improved RPC is the capability of a…
The India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) collaboration is planning to build a massive 50kton magnetised Iron Calorimeter (ICAL) detector, to study atmospheric neutrinos and to make precision measurements of the parameters related to neutrino oscillations. Glass Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) of about 2m X 2m in size are going to be used as active elements for the ICAL detector. We have fabricated a large number of glass RPC prototypes of 1m X 1m in size and have studied their performance and long term stability. In the process, we have developed and produced a number of materials and compon…
The operations of Resistive Plate Chambers in LHC experiments require Fluorine based (F-based) gases for optimal performance. Recent European regulations demand the use of environmentally unfriendly F-based gases to be limited or banned. In view of the CMS experiment upgrade, several tests are ongoing to measure the performance of the detector with these new ecological gas mixtures, in terms of efficiency, streamer probability, induced charge and time resolution. Prototype chambers with readout pads and with the standard CMS electronic setup are under test. In this paper preliminary results on…
Due to the recent restrictions deriving from the application of the Kyoto protocol, the main components of the gas mixtures presently used in the Resistive Plate Chambers systems of the LHC experiments will be most probably phased out of production in the coming years. Identifying possible replacements with the adequate characteristics requires an intense R&D, which was recently started, also in collaborations across the various experiments. Possible candidates have been proposed and are thoroughly investigated. Some tests on one of the most promising candidate - HFO-1234ze, an allotropic form…
CMS experiment will use Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) as dedicated muon trigger detectors. The first 24 RPCs for the barrel muon system of the CMS experiment have been assembled and tested. A brief description of the cosmic muon telescope used for the tests is given. The preliminary results for the chamber performance are presented.
Several high energy physics and neutrino physics experiments worldwide require large-size RPCs to cover wide acceptances. The muon tracking systems in the Iron calorimeter (ICAL) in the INO experiment, India and the near detector in DUNE at Fermilab are two such examples. A (240 cm $\times$ 120 cm $\times$ 0.2 cm) bakelite RPC has been built and tested at Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, using indigenous materials procured from the local market. No additional lubricant, like oil has been used on the electrode surfaces for smoothening. The chamber is in operation for $>$ 365 days. We …
Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) exhibit a significant loss of efficiency for the detection of particles, when subjected to high particle fluxes. This rate limitation is related to the usually high resistivity of the resistive plates used in their construction. This paper reports on measurements of the performance of three different glass RPC designs featuring a different total resistance of the resistive plates. The measurements were performed with 120 GeV protons at varying beam intensities
The CMS Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC) system has been certified for 10 years of LHC operation. In the next years, during the High luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) phase, the LHC instantaneous luminosity will increase to a factor five more than the existing LHC luminosity. This will subject the present CMS RPC system to background rates and operating conditions much higher with respect to those for which the detectors have been designed. Those conditions could affect the detector properties and introduce nonrecoverable aging effects. A dedicated longevity test is set up in the CERN Gamma Irradiation Fac…
In this article it is shown analytically that the charge spectrum generated by ionizing particles in Resistive Plate Chambers under Townsend avalanche conditions, that is, for sufficiently small avalanches not affected by space-charge and considering single-electron ionization clusters follows closely the statistical gamma distribution. This distribution describes well comparable simulation data taken from the literature, but seems to describe as well experimental data measured beyond these assumptions, rising some interpretation issues.
In October and November 2008, the CMS collaboration conducted a programme of cosmic ray data taking, which has recorded about 270 million events. The Resistive Plate Chamber system, which is part of the CMS muon detection system, was successfully operated in the full barrel. More than 98% of the channels were operational during the exercise with typical detection efficiency of 90%. In this paper, the performance of the detector during these dedicated runs is reported.
A numerical model based on Finite Element Method (FEM) has been developed to simulate the electrical properties of RPC utilizing the law of current conservation. It has been used to systematically investigate the effect of the electrical as well as the geometrical parameters of the device components on the potential distribution and field configuration which govern the RPC performance. The numerical model has been validated by comparing the dark current and electric field with those produced by another mathematical model based on surface currents. The efficacy of the present model has been dem…
In this study the signal propagation in multistrip Resistive Plate Chambers is formulated exactly in the framework of the multiconductor transmission line theory in the frequency domain, allowing losses to be incorporated. For the case of weak coupling and low losses a first-order expansion yields simple, fully analytical, expressions that include reflections. In this approximation the modal spectrum can be calculated analytically as well, allowing to estimate easily the strength of the modal dispersion phenomenon.
This paper reports on the performance of Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) as function of the gas flow rate through the chambers and of environmental conditions, such as atmospheric pressure, ambient temperature and air humidity. The chambers are read out by pads with an area of 1 x 1 cm2 and a 1-bit resolution per pad. The performance measures include the noise rate as well as the detection efficiency and pad multiplicity for cosmic rays. The measurements extended over a period of almost one year and are sensitive to possible long-term aging effects.
In this paper we would like to present a few characteristics of the Resistive Plate Chambers (RPC) made of a particular grade of bakelite paper laminates (P-120, NEMA LI-1989 Grade XXX), produced and commercially available in India. This particular grade is used for high voltage insulation in humid conditions. The chambers are tested with cosmic rays in the streamer mode using argon, tetrafluroethane and isobutane in 34:59:7 mixing ratio. In the first set of detectors made with such grade, a thin coating of silicone fluid on the inner surfaces of the bakelite was found to be necessary for oper…
We present a new technology for the shaping of the electric field in Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) using a carbon-loaded polyimide foil. This technology allows for the minimisation of passive material near the active volume of the TPC and thus is capable to reduce background events originating from radioactive decays or scattering on the material itself. Furthermore, the high and continuous electric resistivity of the foil limits the power dissipation per unit area and minimizes the risks of damages in the case of an electric field breakdown. Replacing the conventional field cage with a resi…
Numerical qualification of an eco-friendly alternative gas mixture for avalanche mode operation of Resistive Plate Chambers is the soul of this work. To identify the gas mixture, a numerical model developed elsewhere by the authors has been first established by comparing the simulated figure of merits (efficiency and streamer probability) with the experimental data for the gas mixture used in INO-ICAL. Then it has been used to simulate the same properties of a gas mixture based on argon, carbon di-oxide and nitrogen, identified as potential replacement by studying its different properties. Eff…
An experimental setup consisting of 12 layers of glass Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) of size 2\,m\,$\times$\,2\,m has been built at IICHEP-Madurai (\ang{9;56;14.5}\,N \ang{78;00;47.9}\,E, on the surface) to study the long term performance and stability of RPCs produced on large scale in Indian industry. This setup has been collecting data triggered by the passage of charged particles. The measurement of the multiplicity of charged particles due to cosmic ray interactions are presented here. Finally, the results are compared with different hadronic models of the CORSIKA simulation.
Time of flight of a minimum ionizing particle along a fixed base has been measured with a 100 ps accuracy by means of a Dielectric Resistive Plate Chamber (DRPC) with 4 x 0.3 mm gas gaps. DRPC timing characteristics have been studied with different applied voltages, discriminating thresholds and beam intensities. It may be stated that the time-of-flight resolution of gaseous detectors developed within the ALICE experiment has reached the level of the best known scintillation counters.
ALICE is the LHC experiment dedicated to the study of heavy-ion collisions. At forward rapidity a muon spectrometer detects muons from low mass mesons, quarkonia, open heavy-flavor hadrons as well as weak bosons. A muon selection based on transverse momentum is made by a trigger system composed of 72 resistive plate chambers (RPCs). For the LHC Run 1 and the ongoing Run 2 the RPCs have been equipped with a non-amplified FEE called ADULT. However, in view of an increase in luminosity expected for Run 3 (2021-2023) the possibility to use an amplified FEE has been explored in order to improve the…
Principles of operation, construction and first test results of a Dielectric Resistive Plate Chamber (DRPC) are described. The detector has shown stability of operation in the avalanche mode of gas amplfication within a wide range of applied voltages. Double-gap DRPCs have demonstrated the MIP registration efficiency of 97% and the time resolution of 180-200 ps. No changes in DRPC operation have been observed with test beam intensities up to 10^3 Hz/cm^2.
This paper reports on detailed measurements of the performance of Resistive Plate Chambers in a proton beam with variable intensity. Short term effects, such as dead time, are studied using consecutive events. On larger time scales, for various beam intensities the chamber.s efficiency is studied as a function of time within a spill of particles. The correlation between the efficiency of chambers placed in the same beam provides an indication of the lateral size of the observed effects. The measurements are compared to the predictions of a simple model based on the assumption that the resistiv…
The India-based Neutrino Observatory Project (INO) is a proposed underground high energy physics experiment at Theni, India to study the neutrino oscillation parameters using atmospheric neutrinos. The 50 kton magnetised INO-ICAL detector will require approximately 30,000 of 2m$\times$2m Resistive Plate Chambers (RPC) as sensitive detectors and proposed to operate for about 20 years. For success of the experiment, each of the RPCs has to function without showing any significant aging during the period of operation. Hence, various tests including a proper leak test are performed during and afte…
Optimization of spacer and gas distribution inside glass resistive plate chamber (RPC) is reported. Simulation studies demonstrate improvements on the gas flow velocity homogeneity and lower vorticity inside the gas chamber. The optimized spacer configuration (76 spacers) decreases the number of spacers by $24\%$ compared to the original design (100 spacers), thus helps significantly reduce the non-active or low-efficiency area caused by spacers while maintaining similar deformation uniformity of the electrodes. Large area glass RPCs with 1x1 m$^2$ size using two types of spacer configurations…
The Resistive Plate Chamber is a widely used detector in high energy physics. The operating potential of this chamber is determined by the optimisation of the efficiency and noise rate of the device. This optimisation is based on the assumption that the performance of the device over the whole surface area is uniform. The INO-ICAL experiment is going to use $\sim$ 30000 RPC of size $\sim$2\,m$\times$2\,m. All the RPC will have to pass a minimum quality assurance criteria, but may not be able to maintain a good uniformity over the whole surface area, particularly for the whole running period of…
A prototype of a single-gap glass Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC) is constructed by the authors. To find the considerations required for better operation of the detector's gas system, we have simulated the flow of the Ar gas through the detector by using computational fluid dynamic methods. Simulations show that the pressure inside the chamber linearly depends on the gas flow rate and the chamber's output hose length. The simulation results were compatible with experiments. We have found that the pressure-driven speed of the gas molecules is two orders of magnitude larger in the inlet and outlet…
A simple circuit for the presentation of the signals from Multi-gap Resistive Plate Chambers (MRPCs) to standard existing digitization electronics is described. The circuit is based on "off-the-shelf" discrete components. An optimization of the values of specific components is required to match the aspects of the MRPCs for the given application. This simple circuit is an attractive option for the initial signal processing for MRPC prototyping and bench- or beam-testing efforts, as well as for final implementations of small-area Time-of-Flight systems with existing data acquisition systems.
In this paper we propose a new concept for streamer quenching in Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs). In our approach, the multiplication process is quenched by the appropriate design of a mechanical structure inserted between the two resistive electrodes. We show that stable performance is achieved with binary gas mixtures based on argon and a small fraction of isobutane. Fluorocarbons, deemed responsible for the degradation of the electrode inner surface of RPC detectors, are thus fully eliminated from the gas mixture. This design {also resulted} in a simplified assembly procedure. Preliminary r…
The Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC) muon subsystem contributes significantly to the formation of the trigger decision and reconstruction of the muon trajectory parameters. Simulation of the RPC response is a crucial part of the entire CMS Monte Carlo software and directly influences the final physical results. An algorithm based on the parametrization of RPC efficiency, noise, cluster size and timing for every strip has been developed. Experimental data obtained from cosmic and proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}=7$ TeV have been used for determination of the parameters. A dedicated validation…
The conventional readout method of the RPC detector uses two sets of orthogonal readout strips placed at the both sides of the gas gap to collect signals of opposite polarities to obtain space points. A new readout method utilizing the reflected signals is proposed which only requires one set of readout strips. The reflection readout method utilizes the differences in the arrival time of the direct and reflected signals to determine the hit position. Customized transmission cables are introduced to extend the propagation distance of reflected signals to ensure sufficient separation of the two …
This paper studies the performance of RPCs working with a new family of environment-friendly operating gases, mainly based on Carbon Dioxide and Hydro-Fluoro-Olefins. The tests are carried out on a 2 mm gap RPC and concern the measurement of detection efficiency, avalanche-to-streamer transition probability, prompt and ionic charge delivered. The timing properties of the new gas are also measured.
T2K is a long baseline neutrino experiment that has been operating since 2009 providing some of the world-wide leading measurements for neutrino oscillation parameters. An upgrade for the Near Detector, ND280, of T2K has been proposed. It includes the installation of two new Time Projection Chambers (TPC) based on a new read-out technology: the resistive anode MicroMegas (RMM). This technology is expected to reduce the number of electronic channels while maintaining or improving the current ND280 TPCs' bulk MicroMegas perfomance. A series of tests have been performed and further studies are on…
Due to their simplicity and comparatively low cost Resistive Plate Chambers are gaseous detectors widely used in high-energy and cosmic rays physics when large detection areas are needed. However, the best gaseous mixtures are currently based on tetrafluoroethane, which has the undesirable characteristic of a large Global Warming Potential (GWP) of about 1400 and because of this, it is currently being phased out from industrial use. As a possible replacement, tetrafluoropropene (which has a GWP close to 1) has been taken into account. Since tetrafluoropropene is more electronegative than tetra…
The present paper is meant as an update of the presentation given in a previous Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC) workshop, aimed at finding an eco-friendly gas mixture for streamer operation of RPCs. Indeed the streamer working regime is still suitable for building large RPC systems dedicated to low rate applications, such as cosmic ray and neutrino physics. In addition to other studies about gas mixtures for streamer mode operation, in this paper the replacement of R134a with CF4, a gas widely used in other gaseous detectors, has been investigated. The effect of the gas gap thickness on the disc…
Due to their simplicity and comparatively low cost, Resistive Plate Chambers are gaseous detectors widely used in high-energy and cosmic rays physics, when large detection areas are needed. However, the best gaseous mixtures are currently based on tetrafluoroethane, which has the undesirable characteristic of a large Global Warming Potential (GWP) of about 1400 and, because of this, it is currently being phased out from industrial use. Tetrafluoropropene (which has a GWP close to 1) is being considered as a possible replacement. Since tetrafluoropropene is more electronegative than tetrafluoro…
The mitigation of human-induced climate change is of crucial importance for the sustainability of humankind. For this aim the RPC community has exerted considerable effort over the last decade to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases from our detectors. These included searching for new eco-friendly gases, implementing recovery and/or recirculation systems, improving gastightness and using new materials and approaches in detector conception and operation for the reduction of gas flow rates. Along this line of work, we present here an RPC architecture aimed at a dramatic reduction of gas use i…
We report on the first steps in the development of a small-size muon telescope based on glass Resistive Plate Chambers with small active area ($16\times 16~{\rm cm}^2$). The long-term goal of this project is to focus on applications of muography where the telescope may have to be operated underground and/or inside small rooms, and in challenging logistic situations. Driving principles in our design are therefore compact size, light weight, gas tightness, and robustness. The first data-taking experiences have been encouraging, and we elaborate on the lessons learnt and future directions for dev…
Micromegas technology is a promising candidate to replace Atlas forward muon chambers -tracking and trigger- for future HL-LHC upgrade of the experiment. The increase on background and pile-up event probability requires detector performances which are currently under studies in intensive RD activities. We studied performances of four different resistive Micromegas detectors with different read-out strip pitches. These chambers were tested using \sim120 GeV momentum pions, at H6 CERN-SPS beam line in autumn 2010. For a strip pitch 500 micrometers we measure a resolution of \sim90 micrometers an…
The second phase of the T2K experiment is expected to start data taking in autumn 2022. An upgrade of the Near Detector (ND280) is under development and includes the construction of two new Time Projection Chambers called High-Angle TPC (HA-TPC). The two endplates of these TPCs will be paved with eight Micromegas type charge readout modules. The Micromegas detector charge amplification structure uses a resistive anode to spread the charges over several pads to improve the space point resolution. This innovative technique is combined with the bulk-Micromegas technology to compose the "Encapsula…
We report on studies of fast triggering and high-precision tracking using Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs). Two beam tests were carried out with the 180 GeV muon beam at CERN using RPCs with gas gaps of 1.00 or 1.15 mm and equipped with readout strips with 1.27 mm pitch. This is the first beam test of RPCs with fine-pitch readout strips that explores simultaneously precision tracking and triggering capabilities. RPC signals were acquired with precision timing and charge integrating readout electronics at both ends of the strips. The time resolution was measured to be better than 600 ps and the …
The low cost and high resolution Multi-gap Resistive Plate Chamber (MRPC) opens up a new possibility to find an efficient alternative detector for the Time of Flight (TOF) based Positron Emission Tomography, where the sensitivity of the system depends largely on the time resolution of the detector. In a layered structure, suitable converters can be used to increase the photon detection efficiency. In this paper results of the cosmic ray test of a four-gap bakelite-based prototype MRPC operated in streamer mode and six-gap glass-based MRPC operated in avalanche mode are discussed.
A new type of resistive plate chamber (RPC) is under development using thin-film resistive electrodes based on diamond-like carbon (DLC). Planned to be put on the path of high-intensity low-momentum muon beam of the MEG II experiment, this detector is required to be high-rate capable and ultra-low mass. Using a prototype detector with 2 cm $\times$ 2 cm size and 0.1 % $X_0$ material budget, performance studies were conducted for MIP detection efficiency, timing resolution and high rate capability in low-momentum muon beam. In this paper, the measured performance is presented including the resu…
Driven by the recent improvement in additive manufacturing technologies, we designed a detector that can be fully printed with a standard and commercial 3D printer. The main goals of this research concern the marginal design and construction costs, the reproducibility/modularity of the products, and the reduced assembly time. During the first phase of this research, after determining the most suitable material, we produced 10 examples of detectors.