Towards robust PICOSEC Micromegas precise timing detectors


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Lisowska M., Angelis Y., Aune S., Bortfeldt J., Brunbauer F., Chatzianagnostou E., ...More

Journal of Instrumentation, vol.18, no.7, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Abstract
  • Volume: 18 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1088/1748-0221/18/07/c07018
  • Journal Name: Journal of Instrumentation
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, Index Islamicus, INSPEC
  • Keywords: Cherenkov detectors, Micropattern gaseous detectors (MSGC, GEM, THGEM, RETHGEM, MHSP, MICROPIC, MICROMEGAS, InGrid, etc), Timing detectors
  • Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: No

Abstract

The PICOSEC Micromegas (MM) detector is a precise timing gaseous detector consisting of a Cherenkov radiator combined with a photocathode and a MM amplifying structure. A 100-channel PICOSEC MM prototype with 10 × 10 cm2 active area equipped with a Cesium Iodide (CsI) photocathode demonstrated a time resolution below σ = 18 ps. The objective of this work is to improve the PICOSEC MM detector robustness aspects, i.e. integration of resistive MM and carbon-based photocathodes, while maintaining good time resolution. The PICOSEC MM prototypes have been tested in laboratory conditions and successfully characterised with 150 GeV/c muon beams at the CERN SPS H4 beam line. The excellent timing performance below σ = 20 ps for an individual pad obtained with the 10 × 10 cm2 area resistive PICOSEC MM of 20 Mω/□ showed no significant time resolution degradation as a result of adding a resistive layer. A single-pad prototype equipped with a 12 nm thick Boron Carbide (B4C) photocathode presented a time resolution below σ = 35 ps, opening up new possibilities for detectors with robust photocathodes. The results made the concept more suitable for the experiments in need of robust detectors with good time resolution.