Sparks in MSGC and GEM detectors and a robust alternative

Authors
Baruth, O Keller, S Werthenbach, U Zech, G Zeuner, T
Citation
O. Baruth et al., Sparks in MSGC and GEM detectors and a robust alternative, NUCL INST A, 454(1), 2000, pp. 272-275
Citations number
8
Categorie Soggetti
Spectroscopy /Instrumentation/Analytical Sciences","Instrumentation & Measurement
Journal title
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
ISSN journal
01689002 → ACNP
Volume
454
Issue
1
Year of publication
2000
Pages
272 - 275
Database
ISI
SICI code
0168-9002(20001101)454:1<272:SIMAGD>2.0.ZU;2-Z
Abstract
Sparks in MSGCs can be induced by strongly ionizing particles that damage t he anodes. In MSGCs combined with GEMs, the MSGC gain can be reduced below the sparking threshold. However, occasionally discharges in the GEM can pro duce large secondary sparks at the MSGC. We discuss the dependence of the s park rate on geometrical and electrical parameters of the detectors. Differ ent gas mixtures are compared. The most efficient way to avoid secondary sp arks is to reduce the electric field between GEM and MSGC to below 6.6 kV/c m. We present first results from a robust alternative to MSGCs, the groove detector. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.