Detector Seminar - The micro-RWELL for future HEP challenges

The μ-RWELL is a Micro Pattern Gas Detector (MPGD) that inherits some of the best characteristics of existing MPGDs, like GEMs and MicroMegas, while simplifying the detector construction. It also significantly improves the spark protection by incorporating in the design a resistive layer on the anode board. The μ-RWELL [1] is composed of only two elements: the cathode, a simple FR4 PCB with a thin copper layer on one side and the μ-RWELL_PCB, the core of the detector. The μ-RWELL_PCB, realized as a multi-layer circuit by means of standard photo-lithography technology, is composed of a well-matrix patterned on an Apical foil acting as amplification element of the detector; a resistive layer, realized with a Diamond-Like-Carbon (DLC) film sputtered on the bottom side of the polyimide foil, as discharge limitation stage; a standard PCB, segmented as strip, pixel or pad electrodes, for readout purposes.

The μ-RWELL, showing excellent spatial performance, good time resolution and the capability to operate in harsh environments [2], is proposed in different versions in HEP experiments: as device for the upgrade of the LHCb muon system and inside the IDEA detector concept, considered by both the FCC-ee and the CEPC colliders, to realize the preshower of the dual readout calorimeter as well as the full muon detection system. The reduced impact in terms of material budget makes this technology suitable for the development of tracking devices in the muon spectrometer upgrade of CLAS12 experiment (Jefferson Lab) and as trackers for  X17 proposal experiment at the n_TOF facility (CERN). The flexibility of the µ-RWELL base material makes this device suitable for the development of very light, fully cylindrical fine tracking inner trackers at future high luminosity tau-charm factories, SCTF (China).

Key points of such a technology are the scalability and production by industrial processes which allow a cost-effective mass production of the detector: a must in view of the construction, for example, of large muon systems at future HEP Colliders where huge detection surfaces (O(10000)m2) are expected.

I will present the R&D status with the latest results achieved and the activities planned until 2024 in terms of detector design, test beam companies and transfer technology of the μ-RWELL detector to the industry .

Reference:

[1] G. Bencivenni at al., The micro-Resistive WELL detector: a compact spark-protected single amplification-stage MPGD, JINST10(2015) P02008.

[2] G. Bencivenni at al., The micro-RWELL layouts for high particle rate, JINST14(2019) P05014.