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Performance of resistive MPGDs with pad readout coupled to VMM3a ASIC

D. Zavazieva, I. Ravinovich, L. Moleri, M. Borysova, E. B. Shields, O. Arie, M. Kwok Lam Chu, L. Arazi, S. Bressler

TL;DR

The paper provides a direct, side-by-side performance comparison of Micromegas, RPWELL, and μ-RWELL resistive MPGDs using a common VMM3a readout. It demonstrates high efficiencies (>96%) across all detectors and reveals distinct trade-offs in charge collection, timing, and rate capability driven by amplification gaps, resistive layers, and gas mixtures. Micromegas achieves the highest charge and robust rate performance, μ-RWELL offers superior time resolution and faster signal formation, while RPWELL shows higher voltage-dependent instability and slower charge integration due to its thicker amplification stage. These findings inform detector choice and optimization for different experimental conditions and motivate targeted improvements in resistive materials, dead-region mitigation, and environmentally friendlier gas options for future deployments.

Abstract

We present a comparative study of three resistive Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detector (MPGD) technologies - Micromegas, RPWELL, and $μ\mathrm{-RWELL}$ - with VMM3a based readout, using relativistic muons and pions. The Micromegas and the RPWELL were operated in $\mathrm{Ar/CO_2/iC_4H_{10}}$ gas mixture, while the $μ\mathrm{-RWELL}$ in $\mathrm{Ar/CO_2/CF_4}$ (greenhouse gas containing mixture). All detectors operated stably exceeding 96% efficiency. The usage of continuous readout enabled studies of detector electrical instabilities in- and off-beam at near breakdown voltages. Each technology has different advantages making it more suitable for various experimental conditions.

Performance of resistive MPGDs with pad readout coupled to VMM3a ASIC

TL;DR

The paper provides a direct, side-by-side performance comparison of Micromegas, RPWELL, and μ-RWELL resistive MPGDs using a common VMM3a readout. It demonstrates high efficiencies (>96%) across all detectors and reveals distinct trade-offs in charge collection, timing, and rate capability driven by amplification gaps, resistive layers, and gas mixtures. Micromegas achieves the highest charge and robust rate performance, μ-RWELL offers superior time resolution and faster signal formation, while RPWELL shows higher voltage-dependent instability and slower charge integration due to its thicker amplification stage. These findings inform detector choice and optimization for different experimental conditions and motivate targeted improvements in resistive materials, dead-region mitigation, and environmentally friendlier gas options for future deployments.

Abstract

We present a comparative study of three resistive Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detector (MPGD) technologies - Micromegas, RPWELL, and - with VMM3a based readout, using relativistic muons and pions. The Micromegas and the RPWELL were operated in gas mixture, while the in (greenhouse gas containing mixture). All detectors operated stably exceeding 96% efficiency. The usage of continuous readout enabled studies of detector electrical instabilities in- and off-beam at near breakdown voltages. Each technology has different advantages making it more suitable for various experimental conditions.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 13 sections, 16 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Studied prototypes
  3. Experimental setup & Methodology
  4. Beam tracker and readout system
  5. Data processing and analysis
  6. Performance
  7. Efficiency
  8. Total charge measurement
  9. Electrical stability
  10. Time resolution
  11. Rate capability
  12. Discussion and outlook
  13. Signal Shape

Figures (16)

  • Figure 1: Experimental setup at the H4 beam line, CERN SPS North Area.
  • Figure 2: Pad charge measured with the Micromegas detector at 490 V with 0.5 kV/cm.
  • Figure 3: Examples of cluster charge (top) and cluster size (bottom) measured with Micromegas (left), RPWELL (center) and $\mu\mathrm{-RWELL}$ (right).
  • Figure 4: Results of the data analysis for Micromegas at 500 V with 0.5 kV/cm: a) dependency of cluster charge on dt, b) spatial residuals in X and Y directions.
  • Figure 5: Efficiency as a function of applied amplification voltage at different drift fields for a) Micromegas, b) RPWELL and c) ${\mu}$-RWELL.
  • ...and 11 more figures