RD51, an R&D collaboration for micropattern gaseous detectors

TL;DR

The RD51 collaboration unites international efforts to develop advanced micropattern gaseous detectors with superior performance for diverse scientific and medical applications.

Contribution

It coordinates global research on MPGDs, focusing on new geometries, improved performance, and scalable, cost-effective production methods.

Findings

MPGDs outperform traditional wire chambers in key performance metrics

RD51 has developed new detector geometries and optimized electronics

The collaboration has established infrastructure for testing and production

Abstract

The RD51 collaboration was founded in April 2008 to coordinate and facilitate efforts for development of micropattern gaseous detectors (MPGDs). The 59 institutes from 20 countries bundle their effort, experience and resources to develop these emerging micropattern technologies. MPGDs are already employed in several nuclear and high-energy physics experiments, medical imaging instruments and photodetection applications; many more applications are foreseen. They outperform traditional wire chambers in terms of rate capability, time and position resolution, granularity, stability and radiation hardness. RD51 supports efforts to make MPGDs also suitable for large areas, increase cost-efficiency, develop portable detectors and improve ease-of-use. The collaboration is organized in working groups which develop detectors with new geometries, study and simulate their properties, and design optimized electronics. Among the common supported projects are creation of test infrastructure such as beam test and irradiation facilities, and the production workshop.