THGEM-based detectors for sampling elements in DHCAL: Laboratory and beam evaluation

L. Arazi, H. Natal Da Luz, D. Freytag, M. Pitt, R. Azevedo, A. Rubin, M. Cortesi, S. Covita, B. Oliveira, E. Oliveri, R. Herbst, S. Park, J. Yu, R. Chechik, F. Dos Santos, M. Breidenbach, G. Haller, A. White, A. Veloso, A. Breskin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

We report on the results of an extensive R&}D program aimed at the evaluation of Thick-Gas Electron Multipliers (THGEM) as potential active elements for Digital Hadron Calorimetry (DHCAL). Results are presented on efficiency, pad multiplicity and discharge probability of a 10x10 cm2 prototype detector with 1 cm2 readout pads. The detector is comprised of single- or double-THGEM multipliers coupled to the pad electrode either directly or via a resistive anode. Investigations employing standard discrete electronics and the KPiX readout system have been carried out both under laboratory conditions and with muons and pions at the CERN RD51 test beam. For detectors having a charge-induction gap, it has been shown that even a ∼ 6 mm thick single-THGEM detector reached detection efficiencies above 95%, with pad-hit multiplicity of 1.1-1.2 per event; discharge probabilities were of the order of 10-6-10-5 sparks/trigger, depending on the detector structure and gain. Preliminary beam tests with a WELL hole-structure, closed by a resistive anode, yielded discharge probabilities of < 2x10 -6 for an efficiency of ∼ 95%. Methods are presented to reduce charge-spread and pad multiplicity with resistive anodes. The new method showed good prospects for further evaluation of very thin THGEM-based detectors as potential active elements for DHCAL, with competitive performances, simplicity and robustness. Further developments are in course.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberC05011
JournalJournal of Instrumentation
Volume7
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 May 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Calorimeters
  • Micropattern gaseous detectors (MSGC, GEM, THGEM, RETHGEM, MHSP, MICROPIC, MICROMEGAS, InGrid, etc)ARXIV EPRINT: 1112.1915

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Instrumentation
  • Mathematical Physics

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