arXiv subjects

M. Abbrescia

Publications and source records attributed to M. Abbrescia.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Efficiency measurements of GEM GE1/1 chambers in the upgraded CMS Endcap Muon System using 2023 collision data at $\sqrt{s}=13.6$ TeV

The CMS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider employs Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors, a technology based on gaseous ionization, as one of the muon detectors. The muon spectrometer is being upgraded to handle the increased muon flux in the forward region. This study analyzes muon detection efficiency in the GE1/1 triple-GEM detector, using 2023 proton-proton collision data at $\sqrt{s}=13.6$ TeV. A dataset enriched with muons from Z boson decay, with a total recorded luminosity of 17.8 fb$^{-1}$ has been used for this study. The detection efficiency of 137 GEM detectors are measured using muon trajectories established using other detectors in the tracking and muon systems, without use of the GEM detectors. The average efficiency of 137 GEM detectors is $\sim$93.3$\%$. A subset of 108 detectors that had no shorts were operated at the nominal HV working point with average efficiency of $\sim$96$\%$. Efficiency is found to be unaffected by the number of p-p interactions per bunch crossing (pile-up).

hep-ex↗

arXiv2026

Atmospheric effects on cosmic-ray muon rate at high latitude (78.9°N)

Since 2019, three scintillator detectors of the EEE collaboration have been continuously measuring cosmic muon rates at 78.9°N at the Ny-Ålesund Research Station (Svalbard). The resulting six-year time series reveals a pronounced annual modulation, driven primarily by seasonal atmospheric variations. Utilizing routine radiosonde profiles collected above the same site, we applied several established techniques --along with a tailored analysis approach-- to investigate the relationship between muon rate and atmospheric temperature. The temperature-corrected muon-rates are analysed using the Lomb-Scargle periodogram technique in order to investigate the presence of remaining periodic structures. Finally, the temperature corrections coefficients of our analysis are compared with measurements in other stations located at lower latitudes.

astro-ph.IM↗

arXiv2025

Enhancing Particle Identification in Helium-Based Drift Chambers Using Cluster Counting Insights from Beam Test Studies

Particle identification in gaseous detectors traditionally relies on energy loss measurements (dE/dx); however, uncertainties in total energy deposition limit its resolution. The cluster counting technique (dN/dx) offers an alternative approach by exploiting the Poisson-distributed nature of primary ionization, providing a statistically robust method for mass determination. Simulation studies with Garfield++ and Geant4 indicate that dN/dx can achieve twice the resolution of dE/dx in helium-based drift chambers. However, experimental implementation is challenging due to signal overlap in the time domain, complicating the identification of electron peaks and ionization clusters. This paper presents novel algorithms and modern computational techniques to address these challenges, facilitating accurate cluster recognition in experimental data. The effectiveness of these algorithms is validated through four beam tests conducted at CERN, utilizing various helium gas mixtures, gas gains, and wire orientations relative to ionizing tracks. The experiments employ a muon beam (1 GeV/c to 180 GeV/c) with drift tubes of different sizes and sense wire diameters. The analysis explores the Poisson nature of cluster formation, evaluates the performance of different clustering algorithms, and examines the dependence of counting efficiency on the beam particle impact parameter. Furthermore, a comparative study of the resolution achieved using dN/dx and dE/dx is presented.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2025

A standalone simulation program for Resistive Cylindrical Chamber (RCC)

In recent years, the Resistive Cylindrical Chamber (RCC) has been introduced as a novel gaseous detector, extending the well-established Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) to the case of cylindrical electrode geometry. Preliminary experimental studies have highlighted several promis- ing features of this configuration, motivating the need for further systematic investigations of its operation. In contrast, from the simulation perspective, detailed studies of the RCC have not been performed yet, despite the fact that the cylindrical geometry introduces new degrees of freedom- such as cylinder electrodes radii and voltage polarity- which lead to asymmetric behaviour of the avalanche development according to the polarity of the applied voltage between the electrodes. In this work we present a standalone simulation program specifically designed to model avalanche growth and signal induction in both RPC and RCC geometries. The code implements a stepwise transport model for electron multiplication, includes approximate space-charge effects, and evalu- ates the induced signals on an external electrode. The simulation has been validated against experimental data for planar RPCs and subsequently applied to RCC geometries. The results demonstrate that key observables such as induced charge and efficiency for the planar geometry are well reproduced and highlights the role of electric-field asymmetry in the cylindrical configuration. These findings provide quantitative insights into the impact of detector geometry on avalanche dynamics.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2025

Future Circular Collider Feasibility Study Report: Volume 1, Physics, Experiments, Detectors

Volume 1 of the FCC Feasibility Report presents an overview of the physics case, experimental programme, and detector concepts for the Future Circular Collider (FCC). This volume outlines how FCC would address some of the most profound open questions in particle physics, from precision studies of the Higgs and EW bosons and of the top quark, to the exploration of physics beyond the Standard Model. The report reviews the experimental opportunities offered by the staged implementation of FCC, beginning with an electron-positron collider (FCC-ee), operating at several centre-of-mass energies, followed by a hadron collider (FCC-hh). Benchmark examples are given of the expected physics performance, in terms of precision and sensitivity to new phenomena, of each collider stage. Detector requirements and conceptual designs for FCC-ee experiments are discussed, as are the specific demands that the physics programme imposes on the accelerator in the domains of the calibration of the collision energy, and the interface region between the accelerator and the detector. The report also highlights advances in detector, software and computing technologies, as well as the theoretical tools /reconstruction techniques that will enable the precision measurements and discovery potential of the FCC experimental programme. This volume reflects the outcome of a global collaborative effort involving hundreds of scientists and institutions, aided by a dedicated community-building coordination, and provides a targeted assessment of the scientific opportunities and experimental foundations of the FCC programme.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2025

Future Circular Collider Feasibility Study Report: Volume 2, Accelerators, Technical Infrastructure and Safety

In response to the 2020 Update of the European Strategy for Particle Physics, the Future Circular Collider (FCC) Feasibility Study was launched as an international collaboration hosted by CERN. This report describes the FCC integrated programme, which consists of two stages: an electron-positron collider (FCC-ee) in the first phase, serving as a high-luminosity Higgs, top, and electroweak factory; followed by a proton-proton collider (FCC-hh) at the energy frontier in the second phase. FCC-ee is designed to operate at four key centre-of-mass energies: the Z pole, the WW production threshold, the ZH production peak, and the top/anti-top production threshold - delivering the highest possible luminosities to four experiments. Over 15 years of operation, FCC-ee will produce more than 6 trillion Z bosons, 200 million WW pairs, nearly 3 million Higgs bosons, and 2 million top anti-top pairs. Precise energy calibration at the Z pole and WW threshold will be achieved through frequent resonant depolarisation of pilot bunches. The sequence of operation modes remains flexible. FCC-hh will operate at a centre-of-mass energy of approximately 85 TeV - nearly an order of magnitude higher than the LHC - and is designed to deliver 5 to 10 times the integrated luminosity of the HL-LHC. Its mass reach for direct discovery extends to several tens of TeV. In addition to proton-proton collisions, FCC-hh is capable of supporting ion-ion, ion-proton, and lepton-hadron collision modes. This second volume of the Feasibility Study Report presents the complete design of the FCC-ee collider, its operation and staging strategy, the full-energy booster and injector complex, required accelerator technologies, safety concepts, and technical infrastructure. It also includes the design of the FCC-hh hadron collider, development of high-field magnets, hadron injector options, and key technical systems for FCC-hh.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2025

Future Circular Collider Feasibility Study Report: Volume 3, Civil Engineering, Implementation and Sustainability

Volume 3 of the FCC Feasibility Report presents studies related to civil engineering, the development of a project implementation scenario, and environmental and sustainability aspects. The report details the iterative improvements made to the civil engineering concepts since 2018, taking into account subsurface conditions, accelerator and experiment requirements, and territorial considerations. It outlines a technically feasible and economically viable civil engineering configuration that serves as the baseline for detailed subsurface investigations, construction design, cost estimation, and project implementation planning. Additionally, the report highlights ongoing subsurface investigations in key areas to support the development of an improved 3D subsurface model of the region. The report describes development of the project scenario based on the 'avoid-reduce-compensate' iterative optimisation approach. The reference scenario balances optimal physics performance with territorial compatibility, implementation risks, and costs. Environmental field investigations covering almost 600 hectares of terrain - including numerous urban, economic, social, and technical aspects - confirmed the project's technical feasibility and contributed to the preparation of essential input documents for the formal project authorisation phase. The summary also highlights the initiation of public dialogue as part of the authorisation process. The results of a comprehensive socio-economic impact assessment, which included significant environmental effects, are presented. Even under the most conservative and stringent conditions, a positive benefit-cost ratio for the FCC-ee is obtained. Finally, the report provides a concise summary of the studies conducted to document the current state of the environment.

physics.acc-ph↗

arXiv2025

CMS RPC Non-Physics Event Data Automation Ideology

This paper presents a streamlined framework for real-time processing and analysis of condition data from the CMS experiment Resistive Plate Chambers (RPC). Leveraging data streaming, it uncovers correlations between RPC performance metrics, like currents and rates, and LHC luminosity or environmental conditions. The Java-based framework automates data handling and predictive modeling, integrating extensive datasets into synchronized, query-optimized tables. By segmenting LHC operations and analyzing larger virtual detector objects, the automation enhances monitoring precision, accelerates visualization, and provides predictive insights, revolutionizing RPC performance evaluation and future behavior modeling.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2025

Signal shape studies and rate dependence of HFO-based gas mixtures in RPC detectors

The RPCs employed at the LHC experiments are currently operated in avalanche mode, with a mixture containing a large fraction of C$_{2}$H$_{2}$F$_{4}$ ($\approx$90\% or more) with the addition of i-C$_{4}$H$_{10}$ and SF$_{6}$ in different concentrations. However, C$_{2}$H$_{2}$F$_{4}$ and SF$_{6}$ are fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) with Global Warming Potential (GWP) of $\approx$1400 and $\approx$22800, respectively. EU regulations imposed a progressive phase-down of C$_{2}$H$_{2}$F$_{4}$ production and consumption, aiming at strongly reducing its emission. This is already resulting in an increase of its price and reduction in availability. The most desirable long-term solution to this problem is to find an alternative, F-gases-free gas mixture, able to maintain similar detector performance. To address this challenge, the RPC ECOGasas@GIF++ collaboration (including RPC experts of ALICE, ATLAS, CMS, SHiP/LHCb, and the CERN EP-DT group) was created in 2019. The collaboration is currently studying a gas from the olefine family, the C$_{3}$H$_{2}$F$_{4}$ (or simply HFO, with GWP $\approx$6), to be used, in combination with CO$_{2}$, as a substitute for C$_{2}$H$_{2}$F$_{4}$. This contribution will focus on the signal shape studies that have been carried out by the collaboration during dedicated beam test periods. The methodology used in the data analysis will be presented, together with the results obtained with several HFO-based gas mixtures, and with the currently employed one. Furthermore, results on the counting-rate dependence of the RPC performance, obtained by combining the muon beam with the GIF++ $^{137}$Cs source with different attenuation factors, will also be presented.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2024

Preliminary results on the long term operation of RPCs with eco-friendly gas mixtures under irradiation at the CERN Gamma Irradiation Facility

Since 2019 a collaboration between researchers from various institutes and experiments (i.e. ATLAS, CMS, ALICE, LHCb/SHiP and the CERN EP-DT group), has been operating several RPCs with diverse electronics, gas gap thicknesses and detector layouts at the CERN Gamma Irradiation Facility (GIF++). The studies aim at assessing the performance of RPCs when filled with new eco-friendly gas mixtures in avalanche mode and in view of evaluating possible ageing effects after long high background irradiation periods, e.g. High-Luminosity LHC phase. This challenging research is also part of a task of the European AidaInnova project. A promising eco-friendly gas identified for RPC operation is the tetrafluoruropropene (C$_{3}$H$_{2}$F$_{4}$, commercially known as HFO-1234ze) that has been studied at the CERN GIF++ in combination with different percentages of CO$_2$. Between the end of 2021 and 2022 several beam tests have been carried out to establish the performance of RPCs operated with such mixtures before starting the irradiation campaign for the ageing study. Results of these tests for different RPCs layouts and different gas mixtures, under increasing background rates are presented here, together with the preliminary outcome of the detector ageing tests.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2024

First results on new helium based eco-gas mixtures for the Extreme Energy Events Project

The Extreme Energy Events (EEE) Project, a joint project of the Centro Fermi (Museo Storico della Fisica e Centro Studi e Ricerche "E.Fermi") and INFN, has a dual purpose: a scientific research program on cosmic rays at ground level and an intense outreach and educational program. The project consists in a network of about 60 tracking detectors, called telescopes, mostly hosted in Italian High Schools. Each telescope is made by three Multigap Resistive Plate Chambers, operated so far with a gas mixture composed by 98% C$_2$H$_2$F$_4$ and 2% SF$_6$. Due to its high Global Warming Potential, a few years ago the EEE collaboration has started an extensive R&D on alternative mixtures environmentally sustainable and compatible with the current experimental setup and operational environment. Among other gas mixtures, the one with helium and hydrofluoroolefin R1234ze gave the best result during the preliminary tests performed with two of the network telescopes. The detector has proved to reach performance levels comparable to those obtained with previous mixtures, without any modification of the hardware. We will discuss the first results obtained with the new mixture, tested with different percentages of the two components.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2024

In-beam performance of a Resistive Plate Chamber operated with eco-friendly gas mixtures

ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) studies the Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP): a deconfined state of matter obtained in ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions. One of the probes for QGP study are quarkonia and open heavy flavour, of which ALICE exploits the muonic decay. A set of Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs), placed in the forward rapidity region of the ALICE detector, is used for muon identification purposes. The correct operation of these detectors is ensured by the choice of the proper gas mixture. Currently they are operated with a mixture of C$_{2}$H$_{2}$F$_{4}$, i-C$_{4}$H$_{10}$ and SF$_{6}$ but, starting from 2017, new EU regulations have enforced a progressive phase-out of C$_{2}$H$_{2}$F$_{4}$ because of its large Global Warming Potential (GWP), making it difficult and costly to purchase. CERN asked LHC experiments to reduce greenhouse gases emissions, to which RPC operation contributes significantly. A possible candidate for C$_{2}$H$_{2}$F$_{4}$ replacement is the C$_{3}$H$_{2}$F$_{4}$ (diluted with other gases, such as CO$_{2}$), which has been extensively tested using cosmic rays. Promising gas mixtures have been devised; the next crucial steps are the detailed in-beam characterization of such mixtures as well as the study of their performance under increasing irradiation levels. This contribution will describe the methodology and results of beam tests carried out at the CERN GIF++ (equipped with a high activity $^{137}$Cs source and muon beam) with an ALICE-like RPC prototype, operated with several mixtures with varying proportions of CO$_{2}$, C$_{3}$H$_{2}$F$_{4}$, i-C$_{4}$H$_{10}$ and SF$_{6}$ . Absorbed currents, efficiencies, prompt charges, cluster sizes, time resolutions and rate capabilities will be presented, both from digitized (for detailed shape and charge analysis) and discriminated (using the same front-end electronics as employed in ALICE) signals.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2024

Exploring Eco-Friendly Gas Mixtures for Resistive Plate Chambers: A Comprehensive Study on Performance and Aging

Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) are gaseous detectors widely used in high energy physics experiments, operating with a gas mixture primarily containing Tetrafluoroethane (C$_{2}$H$_{2}$F$_{4}$), commonly known as R-134a, which has a global warming potential (GWP) of 1430. To comply with European regulations and explore environmentally friendly alternatives, the RPC EcoGas@GIF++ collaboration, involving ALICE, ATLAS, CMS, LHCb/SHiP, and EP-DT communities, has undertaken intensive R\&D efforts to explore new gas mixtures for RPC technology. A leading alternative under investigation is HFO1234ze, boasting a low GWP of 6 and demonstrating reasonable performance compared to R-134a. Over the past few years, RPC detectors with slightly different characteristics and electronics have been studied using HFO and CO$_{2}$-based gas mixtures at the CERN Gamma Irradiation Facility. An aging test campaign was launched in August 2022, and during the latest test beam in July 2023, all detector systems underwent evaluation. This contribution will report the results of the aging studies and the performance evaluations of the detectors with and without irradiation.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2023

High-rate tests on Resistive Plate Chambers operated with eco-friendly gas mixtures

Results obtained by the RPC ECOgas@GIF++ Collaboration, using Resistive Plate Chambers operated with new, eco-friendly gas mixtures, based on Tetrafluoropropene and carbon dioxide, are shown and discussed in this paper. Tests aimed to assess the performance of this kind of detectors in high-irradiation conditions, analogous to the ones foreseen for the coming years at the Large Hadron Collider experiments, were performed, and demonstrate a performance basically similar to the one obtained with the gas mixtures currently in use, based on Tetrafluoroethane, which is being progressively phased out for its possible contribution to the greenhouse effect. Long term aging tests are also being carried out, with the goal to demonstrate the possibility of using these eco-friendly gas mixtures during the whole High Luminosity phase of the Large Hadron Collider.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2023

Ecological transition for the gas mixtures of the MRPC cosmic ray telescopes of the EEE Project

The Extreme Energy Events (EEE) Collaboration is fully involved in an ecological transition. The use of the standard gas mixture, \ce{C_{2}H_{2}F_{4}}+ \ce{SF_{6}}, has stopped in favor of an alternative green mixture based on \ce{C_{3}H_{2}F_{4}} with the addition of He or \ce{CO_{2}}. The choise of these new mixtures is motivated by the significant lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) to reduce the emission of gases potentially contributing to the greenhouse effect. The EEE experiment consists of 61 muon telescopes based on Multigap Resistive Plate Chambers (MRPCs), each telescope composed of 3 chambers filled with gas. Several EEE detectors are today completely fluxed with the new ecological mixture. This contribution will report recent results about the telescope performance obtained from studies with the eco-friendly alternative mixture carried out in the last years.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2023

Machine Learning based tool for CMS RPC currents quality monitoring

The muon system of the CERN Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment includes more than a thousand Resistive Plate Chambers (RPC). They are gaseous detectors operated in the hostile environment of the CMS underground cavern on the Large Hadron Collider where pp luminosities of up to $2\times 10^{34}$ $\text{cm}^{-2}\text{s}^{-1}$ are routinely achieved. The CMS RPC system performance is constantly monitored and the detector is regularly maintained to ensure stable operation. The main monitorable characteristics are dark current, efficiency for muon detection, noise rate etc. Herein we describe an automated tool for CMS RPC current monitoring which uses Machine Learning techniques. We further elaborate on the dedicated generalized linear model proposed already and add autoencoder models for self-consistent predictions as well as hybrid models to allow for RPC current predictions in a distant future.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2022

RPC based tracking system at CERN GIF++ facility

With the HL-LHC upgrade of the LHC machine, an increase of the instantaneous luminosity by a factor of five is expected and the current detection systems need to be validated for such working conditions to ensure stable data taking. At the CERN Gamma Irradiation Facility (GIF++) many muon detectors undergo such studies, but the high gamma background can pose a challenge to the muon trigger system which is exposed to many fake hits from the gamma background. A tracking system using RPCs is implemented to clean the fake hits, taking profit of the high muon efficiency of these chambers. This work will present the tracking system configuration, used detector analysis algorithm and results.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2022

Searching for an eco-friendly gas mixture for the ALICE Resistive Plate Chambers

The ALICE RPCs are operated with a mixture of 89.7% $C_{2}H_{2}F_{4}$, 10% i-$C_{4}H_{10}$ and 0.3% $SF_{6}$. $C_{2}H_{2}F_{4}$ and $SF_{6}$ are fluorinated greenhouse gases with a high Global Warming Potential (GWP). New European Union regulations have imposed a progressive phase-down of the production and usage of F-gases, aiming to cut down their emission by two thirds in 2030 with respect to 2014. Even though research activities are excluded from these regulations, the phase-down will inevitably increase their price and CERN is also aiming to cut down on its emissions. For these reasons it is crucial to find a more eco-friendly gas mixture for RPCs by the time of the LHC long shutdown 3, foreseen in 2026. Since $C_{2}H_{2}F_{4}$ is the main contributor to the mixture GWP, an extensive R&D process has started to replace it with tetrafluoropropene ($C_{3}H_{2}F_{4}$), due to its chemical similarity with $C_{2}H_{2}F_{4}$ and its low GWP (around 7). Preliminary tests with cosmic rays have shown promising results in terms of detector performance. The next step is to study the long-term behavior of RPCs operated with these new gas mixtures (aging studies). Since this is a subject of interest for all (and not only) the LHC experiments, a collaboration, ECOgas@GIF++, was setup to carry out joint studies. Among others, a small ALICE-like RPC was installed at the Gamma Irradiation Facility at CERN, where they are exposed to a strong radiation field, coming from a 12.5 TBq $^{137}$Cs source, which allows one to simulate many years of operation in a relatively short time. The facility also provides a muon beam at specific times of the year, which can be used to study the detector performance (e.g. efficiency and cluster size) during and after irradiation.

physics.ins-det↗