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Description
Summary
The micro-resistive WELL (µ-RWELL) detector is a compact, spark-protected, single amplification stage Micro-Pattern Gas Detector (MPGD). The new micro-structure exploits several solutions and improvements implemented in the last years for MPGDs, in particular for GEMs and Micromegas.
The µ-RWELL, based on the resistive technology concept leading to very efficient spark quenching, is a high reliable device. In addition, since does not require any complex and time-consuming assembly procedures (neither stretching nor gluing), it becomes extremely simple to be assembled. These features allow for an easy engineering of the detector opening the way towards industrial applications.
The detector is composed by only two elements, i.e. the readout-PCB, embedded with the amplification stage (the core of the detector, named µ-RWELL_PCB) and the cathode.
The amplification stage of the detector, realized by photolithography as a matrix of wells (with a pitch of 140 µm and a diameter of 60-70 µm) on a 50 µm thick polyimide substrate, is embedded through a resistive layer with the readout board. The resistive layer can be realized by means DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) dry sputtering technology. The required surface resistivity, typically ranging from tens to hundreds MΩ/square, is clearly a crucial parameter that must be optimized as a function of detector performance, such as rate capability, charge spread on the readout electrodes, spark quenching and maximum achievable gain. A cathode electrode, defining the gas conversion-drift gap, completes the detector mechanics.
The detector has been characterized on test bench with X-rays and its tracking performance measured on several beam test in different conditions.
The device, robust against discharges, can be operated in a safe mode at a gas gain up to 104, a rate capability up to MHz/cm2 (achieved for particular scheme of the resistive layer) and a space resolution down to 60 µm.
The µ-RWELL technology, under development with industrial partners, is suitable for large area tracking devices and can be exploited as active device in digital hadron calorimetry in HEP experiments: the detector, recently proposed for the phase-2 upgrade of CMS and LHCb muon apparatus as well as for the neutrino detector of the SHIP experiment, is a technology suitable for the muon apparatus at future colliders (CEPC, SppC and FCC – hh).
