Micropattern gas detector technologies and applications, the work of the RD51 collaboration

TL;DR

The RD51 collaboration advances micropattern gaseous detector (MPGD) technologies, improving their performance, scalability, and applications across physics, medical imaging, and photodetection through coordinated international efforts.

Contribution

This paper summarizes the collaborative development, technological improvements, and expanding applications of MPGDs by the RD51 consortium since 2008.

Findings

MPGDs outperform traditional wire chambers in key performance metrics

Successful deployment of MPGDs in various high-energy physics experiments

Development of scalable, cost-effective, and portable MPGD solutions

Abstract

The RD51 collaboration was founded in April 2008 to coordinate and facilitate efforts for development of micropattern gaseous detectors (MPGDs). The 75 institutes from 25 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.