Study of GEM-like detectors with resistive electrodes for RICH applications

TL;DR

This paper presents the development and systematic evaluation of GEM-like resistive electrode detectors with CsI photocathodes, demonstrating their potential for high-gain, spark-protected RICH applications, including upgrades for the ALICE detector.

Contribution

Introduction of resistive GEM-like detectors with CsI photocathodes for RICH, showing their advantages and suitability for high-gain, spark-protected operation in particle physics experiments.

Findings

Achieved high gain (~10^5) in various gases including poorly quenched ones.

Demonstrated stable operation and good quantum efficiency over time.

Potential for use in ALICE RICH detector upgrade.

Abstract

We have developed prototypes of GEM-like detectors with resistive electrodes to be used as RICH photodetectors equipped with CsI photocathodes. The main advantages of these detectors are their intrinsic spark protection and possibility to operate at high gain (~10E5) in many gases including poorly quenched ones, allowing for the adoption of windowless configurations in which the radiator gas is also used in the chamber. Results of systematic studies of the resistive GEMs combined with CsI photocathodes are presented: its quantum efficiency, rate characteristics, long-term stability, etc. On the basis of the obtained results, we believe that the new detector will be a promising candidate for upgrading the ALICE RICH detector