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R. Guida

Publications and source records attributed to R. Guida.

At least 19 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

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

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

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↗
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↗
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↗
arXiv2022

MPGDs for tracking and Muon detection at future high energy physics colliders

In the next years, the energy and intensity frontiers of the experimental Particle Physics will be pushed forward with the upgrade of existing accelerators (LHC at CERN) and the envisaged construction of new machines at energy scales up to hundreds TeV or with unprecedented intensity (FCC-hh, FCC-ee, ILC, Muon Collider). Large size, cost-effective, high-efficiency detection systems in high background environments are required in order to accomplish the physics program. MPGDs offer a diversity of technologies that allow them to meet the required performance challenges at future facilities thanks to the specific advantages that each technology provides. MPGDs allow stable operation, with environmentally friendly gas mixtures, at very high background particle flux with high detection efficiency and excellent spatial resolution. These features make MPGD one of the primary choices as precise muon tracking and trigger system in general-purpose detectors at future HEP colliders. In addition, the low material budget and the flexibility of the base material make MPGDs suitable for the development of very light, full cylindrical fine tracking inner trackers at lepton colliders. On-going R&Ds aim at pushing the detector performance at the limits of each technology. We are working in continuing to consolidate the construction and stable operation of large-size detectors, able to cope with large particle fluxes. In this white paper, we describe some of the most prominent MPGD technologies, their performance measurements, the challenges faced in the most recent applications, and the areas of improvement towards efficient tracking and Muon detection at future high energy physics colliders.

physics.ins-det↗
arXiv2020

Preliminary results of the pixel characterization for the Crystal Eye, a new X and gamma-ray satellite detector for multi-messenger astronomy

With the observation of the gravitational wave event of August 17th 2017 the multi-messenger astronomy era has definitely begun. With the opening of this new panorama, it is necessary to have new instruments and a perfect coordination of the existing observatories. Crystal Eye is a detector aimed at the exploration of the electromagnetic counterpart of the gravitational waves. Such events generated by neutron stars' mergers are associated with gamma-ray bursts (GRB). At present, there are few instruments in orbit able to detect photons in the energy range going from tens of keV up to few MeV. These instruments belong to two different old observation concepts: the all sky monitors (ASM) and the telescopes. The detector we propose is a crossover technology, the Crystal Eye: a wide field of view observatory in the energy range from 10 keV to 10 MeV with a pixelated structure. A pathfinder will be launched with Space RIDER in 2022. We here present the preliminary results of the characterization of the first pixel.

astro-ph.IM↗
arXiv2020

Overhaul and Installation of the ICARUS-T600 Liquid Argon TPC Electronics for the FNAL Short Baseline Neutrino Program

The ICARUS T600 liquid argon (LAr) time projection chamber (TPC) underwent a major overhaul at CERN in 2016-2017 to prepare for the operation at FNAL in the Short Baseline Neutrino (SBN) program. This included a major upgrade of the photo-multiplier system and of the TPC wire read-out electronics. The full TPC wire read-out electronics together with the new wire biasing and interconnection scheme are described. The design of a new signal feed-through flange is also a fundamental piece of this overhaul whose major feature is the integration of all electronics components onto the signal flange. Initial functionality tests of the full TPC electronics chain installed in the T600 detector at FNAL are also described.

physics.ins-det↗
arXiv2020

The HEV Ventilator

HEV is a low-cost, versatile, high-quality ventilator, which has been designed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ventilator is intended to be used both in and out of hospital intensive care units, and for both invasive and non-invasive ventilation. The hardware can be complemented with an external turbine for use in regions where compressed air supplies are not reliably available. The standard modes provided include PC-A/C(Pressure Assist Control),PC-A/C-PRVC(Pressure Regulated Volume Control), PC-PSV (Pressure Support Ventilation) and CPAP (Continuous Positive airway pressure). HEV is designed to support remote training and post market surveillance via a web interface and data logging to complement the standard touch screen operation, making it suitable for a wide range of geographical deployment. The HEV design places emphasis on the quality of the pressure curves and the reactivity of the trigger, delivering a global performance which will be applicable to ventilator needs beyond theCOVID-19 pandemic. This article describes the conceptual design and presents the prototype units together with their performance evaluation.

physics.med-ph↗
arXiv2020

The HEV Ventilator Proposal

We propose the design of a ventilator which can be easily manufactured and integrated into the hospital environment to support COVID-19 patients. The unit is designed to support standard ventilator modes of operation, most importantly PRVC (Pressure Regulated Volume Control) and SIMV-PC (Synchronised Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation) modes. The unit is not yet an approved medical device and is in the concept and prototyping stage. It is presented here to invite fast feedback for development and deployment in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

physics.med-ph↗
arXiv2019

Crystal Eye: a wide sight to the Universe looking for the electromagnetic counterpart of gravitational waves

With the observation of the gravitational wave event of August 17th 2017 and then with those of the extragalactic neutrino of September 22nd, the multi messenger astronomy era has definitely begun. With the opening of this new panorama, it is necessary to have a perfect coordination of the several observatories. Crystal Eye is an experiment aimed at the exploration of the electromagnetic counterpart of the gravitational wave events. Such events generated by neutron stars collision (or mergers) are associated with gamma-ray bursts. It has actually been observed in the event GW170817 that there is an X-ray counterpart associated with the GW consistent with a short gamma-ray burst viewed off-axis. These X-ray emissions represent the missing observational link between short gamma-ray bursts and gravitational waves from neutron-star mergers. The experiment we propose is a wide field of view observatory (2{\pi} of local observation) in the energy range from tens of keV to few MeV designed to fly with International Space Station (ISS). The motion along the ISS orbit will allow the experiment to scan the sky at 4? in 90 minutes. The Crystal Eye objectives will be: to alert the community about events containing X-rays and low energy gamma-rays, to monitor long-term variabilities of X-ray sources, to stimulate multi-wavelength observations of variable objects, and to observe diffuse cosmic X-ray emissions. With its characteristics, Crystal Eye will provide the continuous exploration and monitoring of the Universe after a Gravitational Wave event with a better resolution than Fermi GBM. Thanks to its large field of view and its design, it has the potentiality to be the trigger for those present X ray-astronomy missions (Chandra, Swift, Integral XMM Newton) that are based on high angular resolution pointing experiment but that have unfortunately a very small field of view.

physics.ins-det↗
arXiv2018

Search for $K^{+}\rightarrow\pi^{+}\nu\overline{\nu}$ at NA62

$K^{+}\rightarrow\pi^{+}\nu\overline{\nu}$ is one of the theoretically cleanest meson decay where to look for indirect effects of new physics complementary to LHC searches. The NA62 experiment at CERN SPS is designed to measure the branching ratio of this decay with 10\% precision. NA62 took data in pilot runs in 2014 and 2015 reaching the final designed beam intensity. The quality of 2015 data acquired, in view of the final measurement, will be presented.

hep-ex↗
arXiv2018

New read-out electronics for ICARUS-T600 liquid Argon TPC. Description, simulation and tests of the new front-end and ADC system

The ICARUS T600, a liquid argon time projection chamber (LAr-TPC) detector mainly devoted to neutrino physics, underwent a major overhauling at CERN in 2016-2017, which included also a new design of the read-out electronics, in view of its operation in Fermilab on the Short Baseline Neutrino (SBN) beam from 2019. The new more compact electronics showed capability of handling more efficiently the signals also in the intermediate Induction 2 wire plane with a significant increase of signal to noise (S/N), allowing for charge measurement also in this view. The new front-end and the analog to digital conversion (ADC) system are presented together with the results of the tests on 50 liters liquid argon TPC performed at CERN with cosmic rays.

physics.ins-det↗
arXiv2014

Prospects for $K^+ \to \pi^+ \nu \bar{ \nu }$ at CERN in NA62

The NA62 experiment will begin taking data in 2015. Its primary purpose is a 10% measurement of the branching ratio of the ultrarare kaon decay $K^+ \to \pi^+ \nu \bar{ \nu }$, using the decay in flight of kaons in an unseparated beam with momentum 75 GeV/c.The detector and analysis technique are described here.

hep-ex↗
arXiv2010

Study of gas purifiers for the CMS RPC detector

The CMS RPC muon detector utilizes a gas recirculation system called closed loop (CL) to cope with large gas mixture volumes and costs. A systematic study of CL gas purifiers has been carried out over 400 days between July 2008 and August 2009 at CERN in a low-radiation test area, with the use of RPC chambers with currents monitoring, and gas analysis sampling points. The study aimed to fully clarify the presence of pollutants, the chemistry of purifiers used in the CL, and the regeneration procedure. Preliminary results on contaminants release and purifier characterization are reported.

physics.ins-det↗