Thick GEM-like (THGEM) gaseous electron multipliers are made of standard printed-circuit board perforated with sub-millimeter diameter holes, etched at their rims. Effective gas multiplication factors of 100000 and 10000000 and fast pulses in the few nanosecond rise-time scale were reached in single- and cascaded double-THGEM elements, in atmospheric-pressure standard gas mixtures with single photoelectrons. High single-electron detection efficiency is obtained in photon detectors combining THGEMs and semitransparent UV-sensitive CsI photocathodes or reflective ones deposited on the top THGEM face; the latter benefits of a reduced sensitivity to ionizing background radiation. Stable operation was recorded with photoelectron fluxes exceeding MHz/mm2. The properties and some potential applications of these simple and robust multipliers are discussed.
A new concept is presented for the reduction of ion back-flow in GEM-based cascaded gaseous electron multipliers, by incorporating Micro-Hole & Strip Plate (MHSP) elements operating in reversed-bias mode (R-MHSP). About an order of magnitude reduction in ion back-flow is achieved by diverting back-drifting ions from their original path. A R-MHSP/2GEM/MHSP cascaded multiplier operated at total gain of ~1.5*10^5 yielded ion back-flow fractions of 0.0015 and 0.0004, at drift fields of 0.5 and 0.1 kV/cm, respectively. A 2R-MHSP/MHSP cascaded multiplier operated at a total gain of ~10^5, yielded an…
We report on the progress in the study of cascaded GEM and GEM/MHSP gas avalanche photomultipliers operating at atmospheric pressure, with CsI and bialkali photocathodes. They have single-photon sensitivity, ns time resolution and good localization properties. We summarize operational aspects and results, with the highlight of a high-gain stable gated operation of a visible-light device. Of particular importance are the results of a recent ion-backflow reduction study in different cascaded multipliers, affecting the detector's stability and the photocathode's liftime. We report on the signific…
We present results on THGEM operation at low gas pressures, in the range 0.5-50 Torr. Gaseous gain up to 100000 was recorded at 10 Torr of Isobutane in a single multiplier element, with pulses rise-time in the few ns range. Cascaded operation of two THGEMs is reported, with similar total gain but at lower voltages on each element. The present work encompasses a large variety of THGEM geometries and includes electric-field distribution calculations and electron transport simulations. We discuss the operation mechanism and some possible applications of THGEMs at low gas pressures.
We review latest progress in gaseous photomultipliers (GPM) combining solid photocathodes and various types of novel electron multipliers. Cascaded gaseous electron multipliers (GEM) coated with CsI photocathodes can efficiently replace UVsensitive wire chambers for single-photon recording in Cherenkov and other detectors. Other hole-multipliers with patterned electrodes (Micro-Hole and Strip Plates) and improved ion-blocking properties are discussed; these permit reducing considerably photon- and ion-induced secondary effects. Photon detectors with other electron-multiplier techniques are bri…
Gaseous detectors are used in both low energy and high energy physics experiments. The present day gaseous detectors, i.e., the Micro-Pattern gaseous detectors (MPGD) are more efficient and fast. Gas Electron multiplier (GEM) is quite well know among the MPGD members. The MPGDs are also being used in other applications like tomography/imaging, moreover, recently, hybridization of two different kinds of MPGD is another emerging subject of R\&D. Ion feedback is an intrinsic drawback of the gaseous detectors. However, it is not a big issue where the event rate is not very high, or the drift volum…
In this paper, a detailed investigation has been carried out to understand the physics behind GEM charging-up and its effects on gain. Experiments have been performed on both double and triple GEM with the help of 55Fe X-ray source and a comparative study of these configurations along with the single GEM results observed in our previous work has been reported. The increase in gain due to polarization of GEM foil dielectric and reduction in gain due to charge accumulation on dielectric are studied for various field configurations and different radiation intensities.
The operation principle and preliminary results of a novel gas-avalanche patterned hole electron multiplier, the Thick-COBRA (THCOBRA), are presented. This micro-hole structure is derived from the THGEM and MHSP. Sub-millimeter diameter holes are mechanically drilled in a thin G10 plate, Cu-clad on both faces; on one of the faces the Cu is etched to produce additional anode strips winding between circular cathode strips. Primary avalanches occurring within the holes are followed by additional ones at the anode-strips vicinity. Gains in excess of 5*104 were reached with 22.1 x-rays in Ar, Ne an…
The properties of thick GEM-like (TGEM) gaseous electron multipliers, operated at 1-740 Torr are presented. They are made of a G-10 plate, perforated with millimeter-scale diameter holes. In single-multiplier elements, effective gains of about 104, 106, and 105 were reached at respective pressures of 1, 10 Torr isobutane and 740 Torr Ar/5%CH4, with pulse rise-times in the few nanosecond scale. The high effective gain at atmospheric pressure was measured with a TGEM coated with a CsI photocathode. The detector was operated in single and cascaded modes. Potential applications in ion and photon d…
We developed a prototype time projection chamber using gas electron multipliers (GEM-TPC) for high energy heavy ion collision experiments. To investigate its performance, we conducted a beam test with 3 kinds of gases (Ar(90%)-CH4(10%), Ar(70%)-C2H6(30%) and CF4). Detection efficiency of 99%, and spatial resolution of 79 $μ$m in the pad-row direction and 313 $μ$m in the drift direction were achieved. The test results show that the GEM-TPC meets the requirements for high energy heavy ion collision experiments. The configuration and performance of the GEM-TPC are described.
An approximate formula has been derived for gain fluctuations in cascaded gaseous detectors such as GEM-s, based on the assumption that the charge collection, avalanche formation and extraction steps are independent cascaded processes. In order to test the approximation experimentally, a setup involving a standard GEM layer has been constructed to measure the energy resolution for 5.9 keV gamma particles. The formula reasonably traces both the charge collection as well as the extraction process dependence of the energy resolution. Such analytic approximation for gain fluctuations can be applie…
In gaseous tracking detectors with a large gaseous volume multiple layers of Gas Electron Multipliers (GEM) can be used to block positive ions from flowing back into the active volume, which is detrimental to the tracking performance. We report on studies of effective gain, ion backflow (IBF), and energy resolution in quadruple GEM detectors, and on strategies for minimizing IBF by optimizing the operating voltages of the individual GEM layers and the potential differences between different layers.
Gas electron Multipliers (GEM) are a new generation of gaseous avalanche devices in the Micro Patterned Gaseous Detector category. GEMs are widely used in both nuclear and high energy experiments as well as in medical science. Several parameters define the performance of these types of devices under various experimental conditions. This article focuses on the study of effective gain and Ion Back Flow (IBF) in both triple and quadruple GEM detectors. Effective gain and IBF are two of the most important parameters in determining the performance of GEM detectors.
Gas electron multipliers (GEMs) have been overcoated with a high resistivity 10e14 - 10e15 Ohms / square amorphous carbon layer. The coating avoids charging up of the holes and provides a constant gain immediately after switching on independent of the rate. The gain uniformity across the GEM is improved. Coating opens the possibility to produce thick GEMs of very high gain.
We report on the systematic study of a single-gas-electron-multiplication (GEM) loaded gaseous detector developed for precision measurements of high-energy particle beams and dose-verification measurements. In the present study, a 256-channel prototype detector with an active area of 16$\times$16 cm$^{2}$, operated in a continuous current-integration-mode signal-processing method, was manufactured and tested with x rays emitted from a 70-kV x-ray generator and 43-MeV protons provided by the MC50 proton cyclotron at the Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Science (KIRAMS). The amplified…
The performance of thick GEMs (THGEMs) was compared to that of thin GEMs in two-phase Ar avalanche detectors, in view of their potential application in coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering, dark-matter search and in other rare-event experiments. The detectors comprised a 1 cm thick liquid-Ar layer followed by either a double-THGEM or a triple-GEM multiplier, operated in the saturated vapor above the liquid phase. Three types of THGEMs were studied: those made of G10 and Kevlar and that with resistive electrodes (RETHGEM). Only the G10-made THGEM showed a stable performance in two-phase Ar with…
The performances of THGEM multipliers in two-phase Xe avalanche mode are presented for the first time. Additional results on THGEM operation in gaseous Xe at cryogenic temperatures are provided. Stable operation of a double-THGEM multiplier was demonstrated in two-phase Xe with gains reaching 600. These are compared to existing data, summarized here for two-phase Ar, Kr and Xe avalanche detectors incorporating GEM and THGEM multipliers. The optical readout of THGEMs with Geiger-mode Avalanche Photodiodes (G-APDs) has been investigated in gaseous Xe at cryogenic temperature; avalanche scintilla…
We describe a new micro-pattern gas detector structure comprising a multi-layer hole-type multiplier (M-THGEM) combined with two in-built electrode meshes: the Multi-Mesh THGEM-type multiplier (MM-THGEM). Suitable potential differences applied between the various electrodes provide an efficient collection of ionization electrons within the MM-THGEM holes and a large charge avalanche multiplication between the meshes. Different from conventional hole-type multipliers (e.g. Gas Electron Multipliers - GEMs, Thick Gas Electron Multipliers - THGEMs, etc.), which are characterized by a variable (dip…
We report on the properties of thick GEM-like (THGEM) electron multipliers made of 0.4 mm thick double-sided Cu-clad G-10 plates, perforated with a dense hexagonal array of 0.3 mm diameter drilled holes. Photon detectors comprising THGEMs coupled to semi-transparent CsI photocathodes or reflective ones deposited on the THGEM surface were studied with Ar/CO2 (70:30), Ar/CH4 (95:5), CH4 and CF4. Gains of ~100000 or exceeding 1000000 were reached with single- or double-THGEM, respectively; the signals have 5-10 ns rise times. The electric field configurations at the THGEM electrodes result in an …
A method is proposed to dump the spurious signals induced by fluorescence of the electrodes in gaseous detectors under strong X-Ray irradiation, introducing a special fluorescence suppressor electrode between the sensitive and the amplifying parts of the detector.
We present the results of first studies of the Resistive Plate WELL (RPWELL): a single-faced THGEM coupled to a copper anode via a resistive layer of high bulk resistivity. We explored various materials of different bulk resistivity (10^9 - 10^12 Ohm cm) and thickness (0.4 - 4 mm). Our most successful prototype, with a 0.6 mm resistive plate of ~10^9 Ohm cm, achieved gains of up to 10^5 with 8 keV x-ray in Ne/5%CH4; a minor 30% gain drop occurred with a rate increase from 10 to 10^4 Hz/mm^2. The detector displayed a full "discharge-free" operation--even when exposed to high primary ionization …
Mechanisms of charging-up and charging-down of Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) have been studied. Experimental investigations have been carried out on both dielectric polarization and radiation charging of GEMs. Environmental parameters, such as pressure and temperature have been monitored to normalize their effects on the charging-up and charging-down measurements. Variation in gain due to the combined, as well as individual, effects of the mentioned parameters has been illustrated.
The bubble-assisted Liquid Hole-Multiplier (LHM) is a recently-introduced detection concept for noble-liquid time projection chambers. In this "local dual-phase" detection element, a gas bubble is supported underneath a perforated electrode (e.g., Thick Gas Electron Multiplier - THGEM, or Gas Electron Multiplier - GEM). Electrons drifting through the holes induce large electroluminescence signals as they pass into the bubble. In this work we report on recent results of THGEM and GEM electrodes coated with cesium iodide and immersed in liquid xenon, allowing - for the first time - the detection…
A new idea on electrostatic deviation and capture of back-drifting avalanche-ions in cascaded gaseous hole-multipliers is presented. It involves a flipped reversed-bias Micro-Hole & Strip Plate (F-R-MHSP) element, the strips of which are facing the drift region of the multiplier. The ions, originating from successive multiplication stages, are efficiently deviated and captured by such electrode. Experimental results are provided comparing the ion-blocking capability of the F-R-MHSP to that of the reversed-bias Micro-Hole & Strip Plate (R-MHSP) and the Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM). Best ion-bl…
It is well known and has been shown that the gain performance of Gaseous Electron Multipliers (GEM) depends on the size of the holes. With an optical scanner it is possible to measure the dimensions of the holes, and to predict the performance of GEMs. However, the gain prediction of GEMs that are manufactured with a double mask etching technique is not straightforward. With the hole size information alone, it is not possible to make precise prediction of the gain. We show that the alignment of the photo-masks between the two sides of the GEM foils plays a crucial role. A misalignment of a few…
Gaseous detectors are fundamental components of all present and planned high energy physics experiments. Over the past decade two representatives (GEM, Micromegas) of the Micro-Pattern Gas Detector (MPGD) concept have become increasingly important; the high radiation resistance and excellent spatial and time resolution make them an invaluable tool to confront future detector challenges at the next generation of colliders. Novel structures where GEM and Micromegas are directly coupled to the CMOS multi-pixel readout represent an exciting field and allow to reconstruct fine-granularity, two-dime…
We study the performance of two-phase avalanche detectors based on Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs) and operated in an electron-avalanching mode in Ar and Xe. Emission, gain, energy resolution and stability characteristics of the detectors were studied. Rather high gains, reaching 5000, and stable operation for several hours were observed in the two-phase Ar avalanche detector using a triple-GEM multiplier. The signals induced by X-rays, beta-particles and gamma-rays were successfully recorded. Preliminary results were obtained in the two-phase Xe avalanche detector: the maximum gain of the tri…
Two-phase Cryogenic Avalanche Detectors (CRADs) with GEM and THGEM multipliers have become an emerging potential technique for charge recording in rare-event experiments. In this work we present the performance of two-phase CRADs operated in Ar and Ar+N2. Detectors with sensitive area of 10x10 cm2, reaching a litre-scale active volume, yielded gains of the order of 1000 with a double-THGEM multiplier. Higher gains, of about 5000, have been attained in two-phase Ar CRADs with a hybrid triple-stage multiplier, comprising of a double-THGEM followed by a GEM. The performance of two-phase CRADs in …
Non destructive quality control of microstructures at the manufacturing stage is an important issue in the foreseen use of huge numbers of such gaseous detectors in the future high luminosity colliders. In this work we report on the use of the scintillation light emitted by the avalanches in GEM channels for checking defects in the foils. The test system is described and data on the relative efficiency of several gaseous mixtures are presented. The foil images obtained with a low-noise CCD system are analysed and compared with the optical images obtained with an industrial inspection system of…
We present the results of the first in-beam studies of a medium size (10$\times$10 cm$^2$) Resistive-Plate WELL (RPWELL): a single-sided THGEM coupled to a pad anode through a resistive layer of high bulk resistivity ($\sim$10$^9 Ω$cm). The 6.2~mm thick (excluding readout electronics) single-stage detector was studied with 150~GeV muons and pions. Signals were recorded from 1$\times$1 cm$^2$ square copper pads with APV25-SRS readout electronics. The single-element detector was operated in Ne\(5% $\mathrm{CH_{4}}$) at a gas gain of a few times 10$^4$, reaching 99$\%$ detection efficiency at ave…
We developed a method to make GEM foils with a spherical geometry. Tests of this procedure and with the resulting spherical \textsc{gem}s are presented. Together with a spherical drift electrode, a spherical conversion gap can be formed. This would eliminate the parallax error for detection of x-rays, neutrons or UV photons when a gaseous converter is used. This parallax error limits the spatial resolution at wide scattering angles. The method is inexpensive and flexible towards possible changes in the design. We show advanced plans to make a prototype of an entirely spherical triple-GEM detec…
We report on recent advances in the operation of bubble-assisted Liquid Hole Multipliers (LHM). By confining a vapor bubble under or adjacent to a perforated electrode immersed in liquid xenon, we could record both radiation-induced ionization electrons and primary scintillation photons in the noble liquid. Four types of LHM electrodes were investigated: a THGEM, standard double-conical GEM, 50 $μ$m-thick single-conical GEM (SC-GEM) and 125 $μ$m-thick SC-GEM - all coated with CsI photocathodes. The 125 $μ$m-thick SC-GEM provided the highest electroluminescence (EL) yields, up to ~400 photons p…
Gas electron multipliers (GEM) detectors are gaseous detectors widely used for tracking and imaging applications due to their good position resolution, high efficiency at high irradiation rates, among other factors. In the present work, position resolution, charge spread, energy resolution and gain uniformity have been investigated experimentally for single and double GEM geometries using an Fe-55 source. The position resolution measurements have been performed by a novel method, using a high precision instrument for source movement and is found to be highly successful. The result shows that t…
We present recent results on the operation of gas-avalanche detectors comprising a cascade of gas electron multipliers (GEMs) and Micro-Hole and Strip Plates (MHSPs) multiplier operated in reversed-bias (R-MHSP) mode. The operation mechanism of the R-MHSP is explained and its potential contribution to ion-backflow (IBF) reduction is demonstrated. IBF values of 4E-3 were obtained in cascaded R-MHSP and GEM multipliers at gains of about 1E+4, though at the expense of reduced effective gain in the first R- MHSP multiplier in the cascade.
This paper presents an investigation of the discharge propagation (DP) to the readout electrode that occurs with a microsecond time delay after a primary discharge that develops inside a GEM foil hole. A single hole THGEM (THick GEM) foil that enables a controlled discharge position and the induction of primary discharge with an over-voltage in the THGEM foil has been used in the initial DP measurements. In order to justify the use of a custom-made THGEM foil, additional measurements were made with a standard GEM foil. Correlated optical (with an ordinary SLR and a high-speed camera) and elect…
A prototype Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detector is under construction for medical imaging purposes. A single thick GEM of size 10x10 cm^2 is assembled inside a square shaped air-tight box which is made of Perspex glass. In order to ionize gas inside the drift field two types of voltage supplier circuits were fabricated, and array of 2x4 pads of each size 4x8 mm^2 were utilized for collecting avalanche charges. Preliminary testing results show that the circuit which produces high voltage and low current is better than that of low voltage and high current supplier circuit in terms of x-ray si…
A data logger is designed to monitor and record ambient parameters such as temperature, pressure and relative humidity along with gas flow rate as a function of time. These parameters are required for understanding the characteristics of gas-filled detectors such as Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) and Multi-Wire Proportional Counter (MWPC). The data logger has different microcontrollers and has been interfaced to an ethernet port with a local LCD unit for displaying all measured parameters. In this article, the explanation of the data logger design, hardware, and software description of the mast…
Thick GEM-like (THGEM) electrodes are robust, high gain gaseous electron multipliers, economically-manufactured by standard drilling and etching of thin printed circuit board or other materials. Their operation and structure are similar to that of standard GEMs but with 5 to 20-fold expanded dimensions. Due to the larger hole dimensions they provide up to 10^5 and 10^7 charge multiplication, in a single- and in two-electrode cascade, respectively. The signal rise time is of a few ns and the counting-rate capability approaches 10 MHz/mm^2 at 10^4 gains. Sub-mm localization precision was demonst…
Optical effects in Gaseous Electron Multipliers (GEMs)
University of New Mexico（新墨西哥大学）；CERN（欧洲核子研究中心）；Imperial College London（伦敦帝国理工学院）；University of Birmingham（伯明翰大学）；STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory（英国科学与技术设施委员会卢瑟福阿普尔顿实验室）；University of Hamburg（汉堡大学）
Operation results are presented of a UV-sensitive gaseous photomultiplier (GPM) coupled through a MgF2 window to a liquid-xenon scintillator. It consisted of a reflective CsI photocathode deposited on top of a THick Gaseous Electron Multiplier (THGEM); further multiplication stages were either a second THGEM or a Parallel Ionization Multiplier (PIM) followed by a MICROMEsh GAseous Structure (MICROMEGAS). The GPM operated in gas-flow mode with non-condensable gas mixtures. Gains of 10^4 were measured with a CsI-coated double-THGEM detector in Ne/CH4 (95:5), Ne/CF4 (95:5) and Ne/CH4/CF4 (90:5:5)…
Gas electron multiplier (GEM) is widely used in modern gas detectors of ionizing radiation in experiments on high-energy physics at accelerators and in other fields of science. Typically the GEM devices are based on a dielectric foil with holes and electrodes on both sides. GEMs made by radiation-hard dielectrics or wide band-gap semiconductors are desirable for some applications. The results of the first tests of the gas electron multiplier made of radiation-hard materials, such as polycrystalline CVD diamond with a thickness of 100 microns is described. Here we report on fabrication of GEM b…
Electroluminescence produced during avalanche development in gaseous avalanche detectors is an useful information for triggering, calorimetry and tracking in gaseous detectors. Noble gases present high electroluminescence yields, emitting mainly in the VUV region. The photons can provide signal readout if appropriate photosensors are used. Micropattern gaseous detectors are good candidates for signal amplification in high background and/or low rate experiments due to their high electroluminescence yields and radiopurity. In this work, the VUV light responses of the Gas Electron Multiplier and …
This works reports on gaseous detectors developments made in the frame of the EXO double-beta decay experiment. LEM (Large Electron Multiplication) are electron amplification grids based on GEM. They were developed in Neuchatel and showed remarquable resistance to sparks. The new SILEM grid combines the properties of the standard LEM with a micropatterned x-y readout plane on one of the grid side. It allows thus the amplification of the primary electrons and their position determination in the x-y plane.
A new concept for a hybrid structure gaseous detector module with ion backflow suppression for the time projection chamber in a future circular collider is presented. It is a hybrid structure cascaded Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) with a Micromegas detector. Both Micromegas and GEM have the capability to naturally reduce most of the ions produced in the amplification region. The GEM also acts as the preamplifer device and increases gas gain together with the Micromegas. Feasibility tests of the hybrid detector are performed using an ${}^{55}$Fe X-ray source. The energy resolution is better tha…
We study the performances of gaseous and two-phase (liquid-gas) cryogenic detectors of ionizing radiation based on gas electron multipliers (GEMs) and operated in an avalanche mode in pure noble gases. The gas amplification in He, Ar and Kr is systematically studied at low temperatures, using triple-GEM multipliers. High gains, exceeding 10^4, were obtained in these gases in the range of 120-300 K. Stable electron avalanching was demonstrated in a saturated Kr vapor in the two-phase mode. These results are relevant for understanding basic mechanisms of electron avalanching at low temperatures …
Gas Electron Multiplication technology is finding more and more applications in beam instrumentation and at CERN these detectors have recently been adapted for use in transverse profile measurements at several of our facilities. In the experimental areas of CERN's Antiproton Decelerator, low energy Gas Electron Multipliers successfully replaced all Multwire Proportional Chambers in 2012 and another detector type has now been developed for high energy applications in the experimental areas of the SPS, totaling a potential of more than a hundred profile detectors to be replaced by GEM detectors …
We summarize the development of visible-sensitive gaseous photomultipliers, combining a semitransparent bi-alkali photocathode with a state-of-the-art cascaded electron multiplier. The latter has high photoelectron collection efficiency and a record ion blocking capability. We describe in details the system and methods of photocathode production and characterization, their coupling with the electron multiplier and the gaseous-photomultiplier operation and characterization in a continuous mode. We present results on the properties of laboratory-produced K$_2$CsSb, Cs$_3$Sb and Na$_2$KSb photoca…
Gaseous PhotoMultipliers (GPM) are a very promising alternative of vacuum PMTs especially for large-size noble-liquid detectors in the field of Functional Nuclear Medical Imaging and Direct Dark Matter Detection. We present recent characterization results of a Hybrid-GPM made of three Micropattern Gaseous Structures; a Thick Gaseous Electron Multiplier (THGEM), a Parallel Ionization Multiplier (PIM) and a MICROMesh GAseous Structure (MICROMEGAS),operating in Ne/CF4 (90:10). Gain values close to 10^7 were recorded in this mixture, with 5.9keV x-rays at 1100 mbar, both at room temperature and at…
We succeeded in modifying and controlling the electrical resistance of a standard High Pressure Laminate (HPL) panel through the use of a Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) foil that has been embedded into the bulk of the HPL plate itself. Electrical characterizations were made and preliminary data show that this HPL-GEM embedded system can easily vary its bulk resistance by more than one order of magnitude. Data show that the bulk resistance change is exponential with the applied voltage to the embedded GEM.
Gas electron multipliers (GEMs) with wire (WGEMs) or metal electrodes (MGEMs), which don't use any plastic insulators between the electrodes are created. The absence of plastic insulation between the electrodes of WGEMs excludes unwanted leakage currents and spark breakdowns between the electrodes. Accidental spark events in such MGEM don't lead to their failure as far as positive ions quickly move away from the breakdown region by a strong electric field in the gap region. In this work, we present a review of such GEMs. The chambers containing MGEMs (WGEMs) with pin-anodes are proposed as det…
GEM are widely used as amplification stages in gaseous detectors exposed to high rates. The GEM consists of a polyimide foil which is coated by two thin copper layers. Charges collected into the holes or created during the amplification process may adhere to the polyimide part inside the holes. This is often accompanied by a change of the effective gain. The effect is commonly known as the charging-up effect. This work presents a systematic investigation of the effect under well-controlled and monitored conditions for a single standard GEM foil in Ar/CO$_2$ (90/10) gas for varying rates of X-r…
The properties of UV-photon imaging detectors consisting of CsI-coated THGEM electron multipliers are summarized. New results related to detection of Cherenkov light (RICH) and scintillation photons in noble liquid are presented.
The fast timing MPGD is a micro-pattern gaseous detector conceived for achieving sub-nanosecond time resolution while maintaining the ability to instrument large areas in high-rate environments; applications of such technology are perspected in high-energy physics experiments at future colliders and medical diagnostics with time-of-flight methods. This work shows the systematic studies carried on an FTM prototype on the performance of GEM foils coated with resistive DLC films, whose development is essential for the FTM operation. The resistive foil performance has been tested with several gas …
A fast, hydrodynamic numerical model has been developed on the COMSOL Multi-physics platform to simulate the evolution and dynamics of charged particles in gaseous ionization detectors based on the Gaseous Electron Multipliers (GEM). Effects of using two-dimensional (2D), 2D axisymmetric and three-dimensional(3D) models of the detectors have been analyzed to choose the optimum configuration. The chosen model has been used to follow the entire operating regime of single, double and triple GEM detectors, including avalanche and streamer mode operations. The accumulation of space charge, its cont…
The operating principle and performances of the Multi-layer Thick Gaseous Electron Multiplier (M-THGEM) is presented. The M-THGEM is a novel hole-type gaseous electron multiplier produced by multi-layer printed circuit board technology; it consists of a densely perforated assembly of multiple insulating substrate sheets (e.g., FR-4), sandwiched between thin metallic-electrode layers. The electron avalanche processes occur along the successive multiplication stages within the M-THGEM holes, under the action of strong dipole fields resulting from the application of suitable potential differences…
