Study of Resistive Micromegas in a Mixed Neutron and Photon Radiation Field

TL;DR

This study evaluates resistive Micromegas detectors' performance in high-radiation environments with neutrons and photons, focusing on their response, sparking behavior, and potential for use in high-energy physics experiments.

Contribution

It presents experimental testing and Monte Carlo simulations of resistive Micromegas detectors in mixed neutron and photon radiation fields, demonstrating their suitability for collider upgrades.

Findings

Successful testing of detector response and sparking properties in high radiation fields

Monte Carlo simulations of neutron effects on detector performance

Assessment of photon response from neutron interactions

Abstract

The Muon ATLAS Micromegas Activity (MAMMA) focuses on the development and testing of large-area muon detectors based on the bulk-Micromegas technology. These detectors are candidates for the upgrade of the ATLAS Muon System in view of the luminosity upgrade of Large Hadron Collider at CERN (sLHC). They will combine trigger and precision measurement capability in a single device. A novel protection scheme using resistive strips above the readout electrode has been developed. The response and sparking properties of resistive Micromegas detectors were successfully tested in a mixed (neutron and gamma) high radiation field supplied by the Tandem accelerator, at the N.C.S.R. Demokritos in Athens. Monte-Carlo studies have been employed to study the effect of 5.5 MeV neutrons impinging on Micromegas detectors. The response of the Micromegas detectors on the photons originating from the inevitable neutron inelastic scattering on the surrounding materials of the experimental facility was also studied.