CERN Accelerating science

Article
Report number	arXiv:1112.1915
Title	THGEM-based detectors for sampling elements in DHCAL: laboratory and beam evaluation
Related title	THGEM-based detectors for sampling elements in DHCAL: laboratory and beam evaluation
Author(s)	Arazi, L. (Weizmann Inst.) ; Natal da Luz, H. (Coimbra U.) ; Freytag, D. (SLAC) ; Pitt, M. (Weizmann Inst.) ; Azevedo, C.D.R. (Aveiro U.) ; Rubin, A. (Weizmann Inst.) ; Cortesi, M. (Weizmann Inst. ; PSI, Villigen) ; Covita, D.S. (Aveiro U.) ; Oliveira, C.A.B. (Aveiro U.) ; Oliveri, E. (INFN, Pisa ; Siena U.) ; Herbst, R. (SLAC) ; Park, S. (Texas U., Arlington) ; Yu, J. (Texas U., Arlington) ; Chechik, R. (Weizmann Inst.) ; dos Santos, J.M.F. (Coimbra U.) ; Breidenbach, M. (SLAC) ; Haller, G. (SLAC) ; White, A. (Texas U., Arlington) ; Veloso, J.F.C.A. (Aveiro U.) ; Breskin, A. (Weizmann Inst.)
Publication	2011
Imprint	09 Dec 2011
Number of pages	15
Note	Comments: 15 pages, 11 figures, MPGD2011 conference proceeding 15 pages, 11 figures, MPGD2011 conference proceeding
In:	JINST 7 (2012) pp.C05011
DOI	10.1088/1748-0221/7/05/C05011
Subject category	Detectors and Experimental Techniques
Accelerator/Facility, Experiment	CERN SPS CERN SPS
Test beam	H4
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 1e-6 - 1e-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 <2e-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.
Copyright/License	arXiv nonexclusive-distrib. 1.0

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