arXiv subjects

B. Mehl

Publications and source records attributed to B. Mehl.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Performance of the High-Angle Time Projection Chambers in the Upgraded T2K Off-Axis Near Detector

The off-axis magnetic near detector of the T2K experiment has undergone a significant upgrade, including the construction and installation of two new Time Projection Chambers featuring innovative resistive Micromegas technology and a field cage composed of thin composite walls. This paper provides a detailed description of the new components of the chambers, including the gas system, gas monitoring chambers, and data acquisition system. Additionally, it reports the results of extensive testing using both neutrino beams and cosmic rays, with comparisons between data and Monte Carlo simulations. The new detectors achieve improved spatial resolution and enhanced particle identification capabilities which are crucial for the precision goals of the T2K experiment.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2025

Characterisation of Thick Gaseous Electron Multipliers as charge readout operated in pure argon

The gain measurements of several 1 mm-thick, 10$\times$10 cm$^2$ Thick Gaseous Electron Multipliers (ThGEMs), operated in pure argon at 3.3 bar and room temperature are presented. Electrostatic simulations, performed with the COMSOL MultiPhysics software, were employed to guide the design of the detectors, and the field configurations are discussed. A modified ThGEM design, incorporating two embedded internal electrodes in addition to the conventional top and bottom electrodes, was developed to mitigate discharge-induced instabilities and to enable operation at higher gains. Several such structures were produced and compared to the standard 1 mm-thick two-electrode ThGEM. Gain measurements were conducted for every design described here over a wide range of applied electric fields and up to large values. The experimental setup and measurement methodology are described, alongside a comparative analysis of the performance of the different detector geometries.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2025

Embedding the Timepix4 in Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detectors

The combination of Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs) and pixel charge readout enables specific experimental opportunities. Using the Timepix4 for the readout is advantageous because of its size (around 7 cm^2 active area) and its Through Silicon Vias. The latter enables to connect to the Timepix4 from the back side. Thus, it can be tiled on four sides, allowing it to cover large areas without loss of active area. Here, the first results of reading out MPGDs with the Timepix4 are presented. Measurements with a Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detector show that event selection based on geometrical parameters of the interaction is possible, X-ray imaging studies can be performed, as well as energy and time-resolved measurements. In parallel, the embedding of a Timepix4 into a micro-resistive Well (uRWell) amplification structure is explored. The first mechanical tests have been successful. The status of the electrical functionality is presented, as well as simulation studies on the signal induction in such a device.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2024

Towards MPGDs with embedded pixel ASICs

Combining gaseous detectors with a high-granularity pixelated charge readout enables experimental applications which otherwise could not be achieved. This includes high-resolution tracking of low-energetic particles, requiring ultra-low material budget, X-ray polarimetry at low energies ($\lessapprox$ 2 keV) or rare-event searches which profit from event selection based on geometrical parameters. In this article, the idea of embedding a pixel ASIC - specifically the Timepix4 - into a micro-pattern gaseous amplification stage is illustrated. Furthermore, the first results of reading out a triple-GEM detector with the Timepix4 (GEMPix4) are shown, including the first X-ray images taken with a Timepix4 utilising Through Silicon Vias (TSVs). Lastly, a new readout concept is presented, called the 'Silicon Readout Board', extending the use of pixel ASICs to read out gaseous detectors to a wider range of HEP applications.

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arXiv2024

Characterisation of resistive MPGDs with 2D readout

Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs) with resistive anode planes provide intrinsic discharge robustness while maintaining good spatial and time resolutions. Typically read out with 1D strips or pad structures, here the characterisation results of resistive anode plane MPGDs with 2D strip readout are presented. A uRWELL prototype is investigated in view of its use as a reference tracking detector in a future gaseous beam telescope. A MicroMegas prototype with a fine-pitch mesh (730 line-pairs-per-inch) is investigated, both for comparison and to profit from the better field uniformity and thus the ability to operate the detector more stable at high gains. Furthermore, the measurements are another application of the RD51 VMM3a/SRS electronics.

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arXiv2024

FAT-GEMs: (Field Assisted) Transparent Gaseous-Electroluminescence Multipliers

The idea of implementing electroluminescence-based amplification through transparent multi-hole structures (FAT-GEMs) has been entertained for some time. Arguably, for such a technology to be attractive it should perform at least at a level comparable to conventional alternatives based on wires or meshes. We present now a detailed calorimetric study carried out for 5.9~keV X-rays in xenon, for pressures ranging from 2 to 10~bar, resorting to different geometries, production and post-processing techniques. At a reference voltage 5~times above the electroluminescence threshold ($E_{EL,th}\sim0.7$~kV/cm/bar), the number of photoelectrons measured for the best structure was found to be just 18\%~below that obtained for a double-mesh with the same thickness and at the same distance. The energy resolution stayed within 10\% (relative) of the double-mesh value. An innovative characteristic of the structure is that vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) transparency of the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) substrate was achieved, effectively, through tetraphenylbutadiene (TPB) coating of the electroluminescence channels combined with indium tin oxide (ITO) coating of the electrodes. This resulted in a $\times 2.25$-increased optical yield (compared to the bare structure), that was found to be in good agreement with simulations if assuming a TPB wavelength-shifting-efficiency at the level of WLSE=0.74-1.28, compatible with expected values. This result, combined with the stability demonstrated for the TPB coating under electric field (over 20~h of continuous operation), shows great potential to revolutionize electroluminescence-based instrumentation.

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arXiv2023

Time Projection Chamber for GADGET II

Background: The established GADGET detection system, designed for measuring weak, low-energy $\beta$-delayed proton decays, features a gaseous Proton Detector with MICROMEGAS readout for calorimetric particle detection, surrounded by a Segmented Germanium Array for high-resolution prompt $\gamma$-ray detection. Purpose: To upgrade GADGET's Proton Detector to operate as a compact Time Projection Chamber (TPC) for the detection, 3D imaging and identification of low-energy $\beta$-delayed single- and multi-particle emissions mainly of interest to astrophysical studies. Method: A new high granularity MM board with 1024 pads has been designed, fabricated, installed and tested. A high-density data acquisition system based on Generic Electronics for TPCs has been installed and optimized to record and process the gas avalanche signals collected on the readout pads. The TPC's performance has been tested using a $^{220}$Rn $\alpha$-particle source and cosmic-ray muons. In addition, decay events in the TPC have been simulated by adapting the ATTPCROOT data analysis framework. Further, a novel application of 2D convolutional neural networks for GADGET II event classification is introduced. Results: The GADGET II TPC is capable of detecting and identifying $\alpha$-particles, as well as measuring their track direction, range, and energy. It has also been demonstrated that the GADGET II TPC is capable of tracking cosmic-ray muons. In addition to being one of the first generation of micro pattern gaseous detectors to utilize a resistive anode applied to low-energy nuclear physics, the GADGET II TPC will also be the first TPC surrounded by a high-efficiency array of high-purity germanium $\gamma$-ray detectors. \textbf{Conclusions:} The TPC of GADGET II has been designed, fabricated, tested, and is ready for operation at the FRIB for radioactive beam-line experiments.

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arXiv2022

The MAPS foil

We present a method of embedding a Monolithic Active Pixel Sensor (MAPS) into a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) and its interconnection by means of through-hole copper plating. The resulting assembly, baptised "MAPS foil", is a flexible, light, protected, and fully integrated detector module. By using widely available printed circuit board manufacturing techniques, the production of these devices can be scaled easily in size and volume, making it a compelling candidate for future large-scale applications. A first series of prototypes that embed the ALPIDE chip has been produced, functionally tested, and shown to be working.

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arXiv2019

A new amplification structure for time projection chambers based on electroluminescence

A simple hole-type secondary scintillation structure (2 mm-hole, 5 mm-pitch, 5 mm-thickness) is introduced and its operation demonstrated in pure xenon in the pressure range 2-10 bar. The new device, characteristically translucent, has been manufactured through a collaboration between IGFAE and the CERN workshop, and relies entirely on radiopure materials (acrylic and copper), being extremely rugged in the presence of sparks, mechanically robust, and easily scalable, yet made through a relatively simple process. With an overall figure (at 10 bar) characterized by an energy resolution of 18.9%(FWHM) for $^{55}$Fe x-rays, an optical gain of m$_\gamma$ = 500 ph/e, and a stable operation at reduced fields more than twice those of some of the presently running experiments ($E_{EL}=3$ kV/cm/bar), this family of structures seems to show great promise for electroluminescence readouts on large scale detectors. As argued below, further improvements have the potential of bringing the energy resolution close to the Fano factor and increasing the optical gain.

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