arXiv subjects

A. Breskin

Publications and source records attributed to A. Breskin.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2008

A concise review on THGEM detectors

We briefly review the concept and properties of the Thick GEM (THGEM); it is a robust, high-gain gaseous electron multiplier, manufactured economically by standard printed-circuit drilling and etching technology. Its operation and structure resemble that of GEMs but with 5 to 20-fold expanded dimensions. The millimeter-scale hole-size results in good electron transport and in large avalanche-multiplication factors, e.g. reaching 10^7 in double-THGEM cascaded single-photoelectron detectors. The multiplier's material, parameters and shape can be application-tailored; it can operate practically in any counting gas, including noble gases, over a pressure range spanning from 1 mbar to several bars; its operation at cryogenic (LAr) conditions was recently demonstrated. The high gain, sub-millimeter spatial resolution, high counting-rate capability, good timing properties and the possibility of industrial production capability of large-area robust detectors, pave ways towards a broad spectrum of potential applications; some are discussed here in brief.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2008

Thick GEM versus thin GEM in two-phase argon avalanche detectors

The performance of thick GEMs (THGEMs) was compared to that of thin GEMs in two-phase Ar avalanche detectors, in view of their potential application in coherent neutrino-nucleus scattering, dark-matter search and in other rare-event experiments. The detectors comprised a 1 cm thick liquid-Ar layer followed by either a double-THGEM or a triple-GEM multiplier, operated in the saturated vapor above the liquid phase. Three types of THGEMs were studied: those made of G10 and Kevlar and that with resistive electrodes (RETHGEM). Only the G10-made THGEM showed a stable performance in two-phase Ar with gains reaching 3000. Successful operation of two-phase Ar avalanche detectors with either thin- or thick-GEM multipliers was demonstrated at low detection thresholds, of 4 and 20 primary electrons respectively. Compared to the triple-GEM the double-THGEM multiplier yielded slower anode signals; this allowed applying a pulse-shape analysis to effectively reject noise signals. Noise rates of both multipliers were evaluated in two-phase Ar; with detection thresholds of 20 electrons and applying pulse-shape analysis noise levels as low as 0.007 Hz per 1 cm2 of active area were reached.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2008

Efficient ion blocking in gaseous detectors and its application to gas-avalanche photomultipliers sensitive in the visible-light range

A novel concept for ion blocking in gas-avalanche detectors was developed, comprising cascaded micro-hole electron multipliers with patterned electrodes for ion defocusing. This leads to ion blocking at the 10^{-4} level, in DC mode, in operation conditions adequate for TPCs and for gaseous photomultipliers. The concept was validated in a cascaded visible-sensitive gas avalanche photomultiplier operating at atmospheric pressure of Ar/CH_{4} (95/5) with a bi-alkali photocathode. While in previous works high gain, in excess of 10^{5}, was reached only in a pulse-gated cascaded-GEM gaseous photomultiplier, the present device yielded, for the first time, similar gain in DC mode. We describe shortly the physical processes involved in the charge transport within gaseous photomultipliers and the ion blocking method. We present results of ion backflow fraction and of electron multiplication in cascaded patterned-electrode gaseous photomultiplier with K-Cs-Sb, Na-K-Sb and Cs-Sb visible-sensitive photocathodes, operated in DC mode.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2007

Investigations of a THGEM-based imaging detector

We present the results of our recent studies on a Thick Gas Electron Multiplier (THGEM)-based imaging detector prototype. It consists of two 100x100 mm^2 THGEM electrodes in cascade, coupled to a resistive anode. The event location is recorded with a 2D double-sided readout electrode equipped with discrete delay-lines and dedicated electronics. The THGEM electrodes, produced by standard printed-circuit board and mechanical drilling techniques, a 0.4 mm thick with 0.5 mm diameter holes spaced by 1 mm. Localization resolutions of about 0.7 mm (FWHM) were measured with soft x-rays, in a detector operated with atmospheric-pressure Ar/CH4; good linearity and homogeneity were achieved. We describe the imaging-detector layout, the resistive-anode 2D readout system and the imaging properties. The THGEM has numerous potential applications that require large-area imaging detectors, with high-rate capability, single-electron sensitivity and moderate (sub-mm) localization resolution.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2007

Operation of a Thick Gas Electron Multiplier (THGEM) in Ar, Xe and Ar-Xe

We present the results of our recent studies of a Thick Gaseous Electron Multiplier (THGEM)-based detector, operated in Ar, Xe and Ar:Xe (95:5) at various gas pressures. Avalanche-multiplication properties and energy resolution were investigated with soft x-rays for different detector configurations and parameters. Gains above 10E4 were reached in a double-THGEM detector, at atmospheric pressure, in all gases, in almost all the tested conditions; in Ar:Xe (95:5) similar gains were reached at pressures up to 2 bar. The energy resolution dependence on the gas, pressure, hole geometry and electric fields was studied in detail, yielding in some configurations values below 20% FWHM with 5.9 keV x-rays.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2007

Further progress in ion back-flow reduction with patterned gaseous hole-multipliers

A new idea on electrostatic deviation and capture of back-drifting avalanche-ions in cascaded gaseous hole-multipliers is presented. It involves a flipped reversed-bias Micro-Hole & Strip Plate (F-R-MHSP) element, the strips of which are facing the drift region of the multiplier. The ions, originating from successive multiplication stages, are efficiently deviated and captured by such electrode. Experimental results are provided comparing the ion-blocking capability of the F-R-MHSP to that of the reversed-bias Micro-Hole & Strip Plate (R-MHSP) and the Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM). Best ion-blocking results in cascaded hole-multipliers were reached with a detector having the F-R-MHSP as the first multiplication element. A three-element F-R-MHSP/GEM/MHSP cascaded multiplier operated in atmospheric-pressure Ar/CH4 (95/5), at total gain of ~10^{5}, yielded ion back-flow fractions of 3*10^{-4} and 1.5*10^{-4}, at drift fields of 0.5 and 0.2 kV/cm, respectively. We describe the F-R-MHSP concept and the relevance of the obtained ion back-flow fractions to various applications; further ideas are also discussed.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2007

Toward Application of a Thick Gas Electron Multiplier (THGEM) Readout for a Dark Matter Detector

The Yale-Weizmann collaboration aims to develop a low-radioactivity (low-background) cryogenic noble liquid detector for Dark-Matter (DM) search in measurements to be performed deep underground as for example carried out by the XENON collaboration. A major issue is the background induced by natural radioactivity of present-detector components including the Photo Multiplier Tubes (PMT) made from glass with large U-Th content. We propose to use advanced Thick Gaseous Electron Multipliers (THGEM) recently developed at the Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS). These "hole-multipliers" will measure in a two-phase (liquid/gas) Xe detector electrons extracted into the gas phase from both ionization in the liquid as well as scintillation-induced photoelectrons from a CsI photocathode immersed in LXe. We report on initial tests (in gas) of THGEM made out of Cirlex (Kapton) which is well known to have low Ra-Th content instead of the usual G10 material with high Ra-Th content.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2006

Advances in ion back-flow reduction in cascaded gaseous electron multipliers incorporating R-MHSP elements

A new concept is presented for the reduction of ion back-flow in GEM-based cascaded gaseous electron multipliers, by incorporating Micro-Hole & Strip Plate (MHSP) elements operating in reversed-bias mode (R-MHSP). About an order of magnitude reduction in ion back-flow is achieved by diverting back-drifting ions from their original path. A R-MHSP/2GEM/MHSP cascaded multiplier operated at total gain of ~1.5*10^5 yielded ion back-flow fractions of 0.0015 and 0.0004, at drift fields of 0.5 and 0.1 kV/cm, respectively. A 2R-MHSP/MHSP cascaded multiplier operated at a total gain of ~10^5, yielded an ion back-flow fraction of 0.003. We discuss the concept for trapping back-flowing ions in these cascaded multipliers and the relevance to gaseous photomultiplier and TPC applications; directions for further future developments are outlined.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2006

Advances in imaging THGEM-based detectors

The thick GEM (THGEM) [1] is an "expanded" GEM, economically produced in the PCB industry by simple drilling and etching in G-10 or other insulating materials (fig. 1). Similar to GEM, its operation is based on electron gas avalanche multiplication in sub-mm holes, resulting in very high gain and fast signals. Due to its large hole size, the THGEM is particularly efficient in transporting the electrons into and from the holes, leading to efficient single-electron detection and effective cascaded operation. The THGEM provides true pixilated radiation localization, ns signals, high gain and high rate capability. For a comprehensive summary of the THGEM properties, the reader is referred to [2, 3]. In this article we present a summary of our recent study on THGEM-based imaging, carried out with a 10x10 cm^2 double-THGEM detector.

physics.med-ph↗

arXiv2006

The Photon-Assisted Cascaded Electron Multiplier: a Concept for Potential Avalanche-Ion Blocking

We present a Photon-Assisted Cascaded Electron Multipliers (PACEM) which has a potential for ion back-flow blocking in gaseous radiation detectors: the avalanche from a first multiplication stage propagates to the successive one via its photons, which in turn induce photoelectron emission from a photocathode deposited on the second multiplier stage; the multiplication process may further continue via electron-avalanche propagation. The photon-mediated stage allows, by a proper choice of geometry and fields, complete blocking of the ion back-flow into the first element; thus, only ions from the latter will flow back to the drift region. The PACEM concept was validated in a double-MHSP (Micro-Hole & Strip Plate) cascaded multiplier operated in xenon, where the intermediate scintillation stage provided optical gain of ~60. The double-MHSP detector had a total gain above 10^4 and energy resolution of 18% FWHM for 5.9 keV x-rays.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2006

Thick GEM-like (THGEM) detectors and their possible applications

Thick GEM-like (THGEM) electrodes are robust, high gain gaseous electron multipliers, economically-manufactured by standard drilling and etching of thin printed circuit board or other materials. Their operation and structure are similar to that of standard GEMs but with 5 to 20-fold expanded dimensions. Due to the larger hole dimensions they provide up to 10^5 and 10^7 charge multiplication, in a single- and in two-electrode cascade, respectively. The signal rise time is of a few ns and the counting-rate capability approaches 10 MHz/mm^2 at 10^4 gains. Sub-mm localization precision was demonstrated with a simple, delay-line based 2D readout scheme. These multipliers may be produced in a variety of shapes and sizes and can operate in many gases. They may replace the standard GEMs in many applications requiring very large area, robust, flat, thin detectors, with good timing and counting-rate properties and modest localization. The properties of these multipliers are presented in short and possible applications are discussed.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2006

Amplification and Scintillation Properties of Oxygen-Rich Gas Mixtures for Optical-TPC Applications

We studied electron amplification and light emission from avalanches in oxygen-containing gas mixtures. The mixtures investigated in this work included, among others, CO2 and N2O mixed with Triethylamine (TEA) or N2. Double-Step Parallel Gap (DSPG) multipliers and THick Gas Electron Multipliers (THGEM) were investigated. High light yields were measured from CO2+N2 and CO2+TEA, though with different emission spectra. We observed the characteristic wave-length emission of N2 and of TEA and used a polymer wave-length shifter to convert TEA UV-light into the visible spectrum. The results of these measurements indicate the applicability of optical recording of ionizing tracks in a TPC target-detector designed to study the cross section of the 16O(g,a)12C reaction, a central problem in nuclear astrophysics.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2006

Advances in Thick GEM-like gaseous electron multipliers. Part II: low-pressure operation

We present results on THGEM operation at low gas pressures, in the range 0.5-50 Torr. Gaseous gain up to 100000 was recorded at 10 Torr of Isobutane in a single multiplier element, with pulses rise-time in the few ns range. Cascaded operation of two THGEMs is reported, with similar total gain but at lower voltages on each element. The present work encompasses a large variety of THGEM geometries and includes electric-field distribution calculations and electron transport simulations. We discuss the operation mechanism and some possible applications of THGEMs at low gas pressures.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2006

Advances in Thick GEM-like gaseous electron multipliers. Part I: atmospheric pressure operation

Thick GEM-like (THGEM) gaseous electron multipliers are made of standard printed-circuit board perforated with sub-millimeter diameter holes, etched at their rims. Effective gas multiplication factors of 100000 and 10000000 and fast pulses in the few nanosecond rise-time scale were reached in single- and cascaded double-THGEM elements, in atmospheric-pressure standard gas mixtures with single photoelectrons. High single-electron detection efficiency is obtained in photon detectors combining THGEMs and semitransparent UV-sensitive CsI photocathodes or reflective ones deposited on the top THGEM face; the latter benefits of a reduced sensitivity to ionizing background radiation. Stable operation was recorded with photoelectron fluxes exceeding MHz/mm2. The properties and some potential applications of these simple and robust multipliers are discussed.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2006

Operation of MHSP multipliers in high pressure pure noble-gas

We report on the performance of a Micro-Hole & Strip Plate (MHSP) electron multiplier operating in pure Xe, Kr, Ar and Ne at the pressure range of 1 to 6 bar. The maximal gains at 1 bar Xe and Kr are 50000 and 100000, respectively; they drop by about one order of magnitude at 2 bar and by almost another order of magnitude at 5-6 bar; they reach gains of 500 and 4000 at 5 bar in Xe and Kr, respectively. In Ar, the gain varies very little with pressure, being 3000-9000; in Ne the maximum attainable gain, about 100000, is pressure independent above 2 bar. The results are compared with that of single- and triple-GEM multipliers operated in similar conditions. Potential applications are in hard X-ray imaging and in cryogenic radiation detectors.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2005

MHSP in reversed-biased operation mode for ion blocking in gas-avalanche multipliers

We present recent results on the operation of gas-avalanche detectors comprising a cascade of gas electron multipliers (GEMs) and Micro-Hole and Strip Plates (MHSPs) multiplier operated in reversed-bias (R-MHSP) mode. The operation mechanism of the R-MHSP is explained and its potential contribution to ion-backflow (IBF) reduction is demonstrated. IBF values of 4E-3 were obtained in cascaded R-MHSP and GEM multipliers at gains of about 1E+4, though at the expense of reduced effective gain in the first R- MHSP multiplier in the cascade.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2005

Thick GEM-like multipliers - a simple solution for large area UV-RICH detectors

We report on the properties of thick GEM-like (THGEM) electron multipliers made of 0.4 mm thick double-sided Cu-clad G-10 plates, perforated with a dense hexagonal array of 0.3 mm diameter drilled holes. Photon detectors comprising THGEMs coupled to semi-transparent CsI photocathodes or reflective ones deposited on the THGEM surface were studied with Ar/CO2 (70:30), Ar/CH4 (95:5), CH4 and CF4. Gains of ~100000 or exceeding 1000000 were reached with single- or double-THGEM, respectively; the signals have 5-10 ns rise times. The electric field configurations at the THGEM electrodes result in an efficient extraction of photoelectrons and their focusing into the holes; this occurs already at rather low gains, below 100. These detectors, with single-photon sensitivity and with expected sub-millimeter localization, can operate at MHz/mm2 rates. We discuss their prospects for large-area UV-photon imaging for RICH.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2005

Ion-induced effects in GEM & GEM/MHSP gaseous photomultipliers for the UV and the visible spectral range

We report on the progress in the study of cascaded GEM and GEM/MHSP gas avalanche photomultipliers operating at atmospheric pressure, with CsI and bialkali photocathodes. They have single-photon sensitivity, ns time resolution and good localization properties. We summarize operational aspects and results, with the highlight of a high-gain stable gated operation of a visible-light device. Of particular importance are the results of a recent ion-backflow reduction study in different cascaded multipliers, affecting the detector's stability and the photocathode's liftime. We report on the significant progress in ion-blocking and provide first results on bialkali-photocathode aging under gas multiplication.

physics.ins-det↗