B. Gobbo

Performance of the ALEPH Time Projection Chamber

Abstract The performance of the ALEPH Time Projection Chamber (TPC) has been studied using data taken during the LEP running periods in 1989 and 1990. After correction of residual distortions and optimisation of coordinate reconstruction algorithms, single coordinate resolutions of 173 μm in the azimuthal and 740 μm in the longitudinal direction are achieved. This results in a momentum resolution for the TPC of Δp / p 2 = 1.2 × 10 −3 (GeV/ c ) −1 . In combination with the ALEPH Inner Tracking Chamber (ITC), a total momentum resolution of Δp / p 2 = 0.8 × 10 −3 (GeV/ c ) −1 is obtained. With respect to particle identification, the detector achieves a resolution of 4.4% for the measurement of the ionisation energy loss.

Development of THGEM-based photon detectors for Cherenkov Imaging Counters

The development of a large size gaseous detector of single photons, able to stably operate at high gain and high rate, and to provide good time resolution and insensitivity to magnetic field would be beneficial to future Cherenkov Imaging Counters. The detector could be based on the use of a multilayer architecture of THGEM electron multipliers coupled to a solid state CsI photocathode. A systematic study of the response of THGEM-based counters versus the geometrical parameters has been performed and the main results will be presented. Small photon detector prototypes have been built and preliminary data obtained detecting single photoelectrons are presented as well. The key aspect of photoelectron extraction from the photocathode is illustrated presenting both simulation and dedicated measurement results.

Micropattern gaseous photon detectors for Cherenkov imaging counters

RICH counters for PID in the high momentum domain and in large acceptance experiments require photon detectors covering extended surface of several square meters and able to accept Cherenkov photons in a wide angular range. An ideal approach is represented by gaseous photon detectors, which allow covering wide surfaces at affordable costs.

Progresses in the production of large-size THGEM boards

The THicK GEM (THGEM) electron multipliers are derived from the GEM design, by scaling the geometrical parameters and changing the production technology. Small-size (a few cm2) detectors exhibit superb performance, while larger ones exhibit gain response and uniformity limitations. We have studied with a systematic approach several aspects concerning the material (type and thickness of the fibreglass plates) and the production procedure, in particular the cleaning and polishing stages. The net result is the production of large THGEM multipliers reproducing the performance of the small ones. We report in detail about the studies and the results.

Pattern recognition and PID for COMPASS RICH-1

Abstract A package for pattern recognition and PID by COMPASS RICH-1 has been developed and used for the analysis of COMPASS data collected in the years 2002–2004, and 2006–2007 with the upgraded RICH-1 photon detectors. It has allowed the full characterization of the detector in the starting version and in the upgraded one as well as the PID for physics results. We report about the package structure and algorithms, and the detector characterization and PID results.

The spatial resolution of the ALEPH TPC

The present understanding of the factors which limit the rφ measurement accuracy of the ALEPH time projection chamber is outlined. The resolution for high-momentum tracks is shown to be dominated by the E × B and angular affects.

The fast readout system for the MAPMTs of COMPASS RICH-1

A fast readout system for the upgrade of the COMPASS RICH detector has been developed and successfully used for data taking in 2006 and 2007. The new readout system for the multi-anode PMTs in the central part of the photon detector of the RICH is based on the high-sensitivity MAD4 preamplifier-discriminator and the dead-time free F1-TDC chip characterized by high-resolution. The readout electronics has been designed taking into account the high photon flux in the central part of the detector and the requirement to run at high trigger rates of up to 100 kHz with negligible dead-time. The system is designed as a very compact setup and is mounted directly behind the multi-anode photomultipliers. The data are digitized on the front-end boards and transferred via optical links to the readout system. The readout electronics system is described in detail together with its measured performances.

The FASTBUS readout system for the Aleph time projection chamber

The readout system for the Aleph central tracking detector, a large time projection chamber (TPC), consists of more than 100 FASTBUS crates with approximately 1000 FASTBUS modules. The detector and its associated electronics are briefly presented, followed by a more detailed description of the readout and control system. The discussion covers the sector readout, electronics calibration, front-end data acquisition, data pipelining, and service request handling. Experiences with the system are discussed. >

MPGD-based counters of single photons developed for COMPASS RICH-1

In fundamental research, gas detectors of single photons are a must in the field of Cherenkov imaging techniques (RICH counters) for particle identification in large momentum ranges and with wide coverage of the phase space domain. These counters, already extensively used, are foreseen in the setups of future experiments in a large variety of fields in nuclear and particle physics. The quest of novel gaseous photon detector is dictated by the fact that the present generation of detectors has unique characteristics concerning operation in magnetic field, low material budget and cost, but it suffers of severe limitations in effective efficiency, rates, life time and stability, discouraging their use in high precision and high rate experiments. We are developing large size THick GEM (THGEM)-based detector of single photons. The RD relevant progress in the engineering aspects, in particular related to the production of large-size THGEMs, where the strict correlation between the local gain-value and the local thickness-value has been demonstrated the operation of a 300 mm × 300 mm2 active area detector at the CERN PS T10 test beam; the introduction of a new hybrid detector architecture offering promising indication, which is formed by a THGEM layer which acts as CsI support and pre-amplification device followed by a MICROMEGAS multiplication stage. The general status of the R&D program and the recent progress are reported

Status of COMPASS RICH-1 Upgrade with MPGD-based Photon Detectors

A Set of new MPGD-based Photon Detectors is being built for the upgrade of COMPASS RICH-1. The detectors cover a total active area of 1.4 m 2 and are based on a hybrid architecture consisting of two THGEM layers and a Micromegas. A CsI film on one THGEM acts as a reflective photocathode. The characteristics of the detector, the production of the components and their validation tests are described in detail.