Application of Micro Pattern Gas Detectors to Image Generation

• Grant number: 24/05102-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2024
• End date: May 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Elementary Particle Physics and Fields
• Principal Investigator: Edmilson José Tonelli Manganote
• Grantee: Vítor Contato Palavéri
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física Gleb Wataghin (IFGW). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/04867-2 - High energy physics and instrumentation with the LHC-CERN, AP.ESP

Abstract

Micro pattern gas detectors have played a fundamental role in nuclear and particle physics. Among the different types of detectors, one has been widely developed and used in the most diverse areas, including applications in the medical and industrial areas. This is the Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM).The GEM can be cascaded with a second or third multiplication stage until a satisfactory signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is achieved. The two-dimensional geometry of this type of structure offers a very good solution whenever there are demands for large detection areas, such as in the case of position-sensitive detectors for X-rays, particle beam monitors and others.A discrete channel readout provides very good spatial resolutions, on the order of hundreds of ¼m for areas as large as 100cm2. However, it involves the use of many channels and increases the electronic complexity involved. If a spatial resolution of the order of mm is acceptable, the reading can be simplified using a resistive divider, determining the interaction position through center of mass algorithms. However, this solution depends heavily on obtaining a good signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This means that GEMs must operate with the highest possible gains, possibly very close to the discharge limit.This Scientific Initiation project aims to study and develop this form of reading, as well as an assessment of its limitations. In this way, it will allow the student a first contact with this class of detectors and their possible uses for generating images.