M. Hoch

The ALICE TPC, a large 3-dimensional tracking device with fast readout for ultra-high multiplicity events

The design, construction, and commissioning of the ALICE Time-Projection Chamber (TPC) is described. It is the main device for pattern recognition, tracking, and identification of charged particles in the ALICE experiment at the CERN LHC. The TPC is cylindrical in shape with a volume close to 90 m(3) and is operated in a 0.5T solenoidal magnetic field parallel to its axis. In this paper we describe in detail the design considerations for this detector for operation in the extreme multiplicity environment of central Pb-Pb collisions at LHC energy. The implementation of the resulting requirements into hardware (field cage, read-out chambers, electronics), infrastructure (gas and cooling system, laser-calibration system), and software led to many technical innovations which are described along with a presentation of all the major components of the detector, as currently realized. We also report on the performance achieved after completion of the first round of stand-alone calibration runs and demonstrate results close to those specified in the TPC Technical Design Report

High rate behavior and discharge limits in micro-pattern detectors

Abstract We present and discuss a set of systematic measurements, carried out with gaseous proportional micro-pattern detectors, in order to assess their maximum gain when irradiated with high-rate soft X-rays and heavily ionizing alpha particles. The inventory of detectors tested includes: micro-strips, micromegas, micro-dot, gas electron multiplier, CAT (compteur a trous), trench (or groove), micro-CAT (or WELL) detectors, as well as systems with two elements of gaseous amplification in cascade. We confirm the general trend of all single-stage detectors to follow Raethers criterion, i.e. a spontaneous transition from avalanche to streamer, followed by a discharge, when the avalanche size reaches a value of a few 10 7 ; a noticeable exception is the micro-dot counter holding more than 10 8 . In multiple structures, where the gain is shared between two devices in cascade, the maximum overall gain under irradiation is increased by at least one order of magnitude; we speculate this to be a consequence of a voltage dependence of Raethers limit, larger for low operating potentials. Our conclusion is that only multiple devices can guarantee a sufficient margin of reliability for operation in harsh LHC running conditions.

New observations with the gas electron multiplier (GEM)

Abstract We describe recent measurements realized with the Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) mesh added as pre-amplification element to a multiwire and a micro-strip chamber. Large, stable combined gains are obtained, with good uniformity and energy resolution, in a wide range of filling gases including non-flammable mixtures; coupled to a micro-strip plate, the pre-amplification element allows the detector to maintain the high-rate capability and resolution at considerably lower operating voltages, completely eliminating discharge problems. Charge gains are large enough to allow detection of signals in the ionization mode on the last element, permitting the use of a simple printed circuit as read-out electrode; two-dimensional read out can then be easily implemented. The absence of charge multiplication in the last stage avoids charge build-up on the substrate and prevents ageing phenomena. A new generation of simple, reliable and cheap fast position-sensitive detectors seems at hand.

Further developments and beam tests of the gas electron multiplier (GEM)

Abstract We describe the development and operation of the Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM), a thin insulating foil metal-clad on both sides and perforated by a regular pattern of small holes. The mesh can be incorporated into the gas volume of an active detector to provide a first amplification channel for electrons, or used as stand alone. We report on the basic properties of GEMs manufactured with different geometries and operated in several gas mixtures as well as on their long-term stability after accumulation of charge equivalent to several years of operation in high-luminosity experiments. Optimized GEMs reach gains close to 10 000 at safe operating voltages, permitting the detection of ionizing tracks, without other amplifying elements, on a simple Printed Circuit Board (PCB), opening new possibilities for detector design.

The gas electron multiplier (GEM)

We describe operating principles and results obtained with a new detector element: the Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM). Consisting of a thin composite sheet with two metal layers separated by a thin insulator, and pierced by a regular matrix of open channels, the GEM electrode, inserted on the path of electrons in a gas detector, allows the transfer of charge with an amplification factor approaching ten. Uniform response and high rate capability are demonstrated. Coupled to another device, multiwire or micro-strip chamber, the GEM electrode permits higher gains or less critical operation; separation of the sensitive (conversion) volume and the detection volume have other advantages: a built-in delay (useful for triggering purposes), and the possibility of applying high fields on the photo-cathode of ring imaging detectors to improve efficiency. Multiple GEM grids in the same gas volume allow large amplification factors to be achieved in a succession of steps, leading to the realization of an effective gas-filled photomultiplier.

Development of the gas electron multiplier (GEM)

We describe recent developments of the gas electron multiplier (GEM), a thin composite mesh acting as proportional avalanche amplifier in gas counters. In beam tests we have verified the excellent efficiency, time resolution and localization accuracy for a GEM with micro-strip read-out. Efficiency, localization accuracy and operation in strong magnetic fields has been verified; operation at rates above 10/sup 6/ Hz/mm/sup 2/ and lifetimes corresponding to at least 10 mC/cm of collected charge have been demonstrated. Refinements in the manufacturing technology have permitted the realization of large size detectors (27 by 25 cm/sup 2/), to be used in conjunction with microstrip gas chambers. With an improved design, stable gains above two thousand have been reached (GEM2000); larger gains can be obtained increasing the thickness of the foils, cascading two GEMs at some distance or in electrical contact. Further developments of the technology and prospective applications are discussed.

Construction, test and operation in a high intensity beam of a small system of micro-strip gas chambers

Abstract We describe the construction, test and installation procedures, and the experience gained with the operation of a small but complete system of high-rate Micro-Strip Gas Chambers, made on thin borosilicate glass with a diamond-like coating with chromium or gold strips. A set of detectors, fully equipped with read-out electronics and each with an active area of 100 × 100 mm 2 , was exposed during six months to a high-intensity muon beam at CERN with a peak intensity of ∼ 10 4 mm −2 s −1 . Continuous monitoring of the performance of the chambers during the beam runs allowed the evaluation of detection efficiency and the monitoring of accidental rates, as well as the study of ambient induced variations and aging in realistic beam conditions. No significant difference has been found in the operation of under-and over-coated plates. Efficiencies could reach ∼ 98% in best operating conditions, although local lower values were often observed due to missing channels (open strips, broken bonds and dead electronic channels). The long-term operation of the chambers has been more difficult than expected, with the appearance of break-downs and loss of efficiency in some detectors, possibly induced by the presence of small gas leaks, to water permeation or to residual reactivity of the quencher gas (dimethylether).

High rate operation of micro-strip gas chambers

We describe the development of micro-strip gas chambers (MSGC) able to withstand the very high rates met in detectors for high luminosity experiments. A light and cheap mechanical assembly suited for mass-production of modules has been implemented. To prevent charging-up processes, affecting gain at high rates, we have tested substrates with surface resistivity in the range 10/sup 14/-10/sup 15/ /spl Omega///spl square/: stable gains at rates above 10/sup 6/ mm/sup -2/ s/sup -1/ have been achieved at avalanche sizes of 10/sup 5/ using electron-conducting and diamond-coated glass. A systematic search has been undertaken to define the purity levels of gas and materials necessary for long-term operation, with the goal of reaching a collected charge above 100 mC cm/sup -1/ without degradation. This has been achieved operating in very clean conditions with argon-dimethylether. A dose-rate dependence of the ageing behaviour has been found alerting on the relevance of measurements realized at too high currents.

Further developments of the gas electron multiplier (GEM)

Abstract We describe the development and operation of the Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM), a thin insulating foil metal-clad on both sides and perforated by a regular pattern of small holes. The mesh can be incorporated into the gas volume of an active detector to provide a first amplification channel for electrons, or used as stand alone. We report on the basic properties of GEMs manufactured with different geometries and operated in several gas mixtures as well as on their long-term stability after accumulation of charge equivalent to several years of operation in high-luminosity experiments. Optimized GEMs reach gains close to 10 000 at safe operating voltages, permitting the detection of ionizing tracks, without other amplifying elements, on a simple Printed Circuit Board (PCB), opening new possibilities for detector design.

The virtual cathode chamber

Abstract We describe the operating principle and the first experimental results obtained with gas micro-strip detectors realized with anodes only on the active side, the multiplying field being provided from the back-plane and drift electrodes. For high-rate operation, the detector has to be implemented on electron-conducting supports, with resistivity around 10 11 Ω cm. By construction, the “Virtual Cathode Chamber” is not subjected to the possibility of discharges between anodes and cathodes, thus avoiding one of the most dangerous problems met with standard micro-strip chambers.