Simulation of VUV electroluminescence in micropattern gaseous detectors: the case of GEM and MHSP

TL;DR

This paper simulates and analyzes the VUV electroluminescence in micropattern gaseous detectors, specifically GEM and MHSP, using a new C++ toolkit to compare simulated yields with experimental data.

Contribution

It introduces a new simulation toolkit for VUV electroluminescence in GEM and MHSP detectors and studies the effects of operating conditions on light response.

Findings

Simulated absolute EL yields match experimental data across various pressures and voltages.

The solid angle for photosensor detection depends on operating conditions.

VUV electroluminescence is effectively modeled in GEM and MHSP detectors.

Abstract

Electroluminescence produced during avalanche development in gaseous avalanche detectors is an useful information for triggering, calorimetry and tracking in gaseous detectors. Noble gases present high electroluminescence yields, emitting mainly in the VUV region. The photons can provide signal readout if appropriate photosensors are used. Micropattern gaseous detectors are good candidates for signal amplification in high background and/or low rate experiments due to their high electroluminescence yields and radiopurity. In this work, the VUV light responses of the Gas Electron Multiplier and of the Micro-Hole Strip Plate, working with pure xenon, are simulated and studied in detail using a new and versatile C++ toolkit. It is shown that the solid angle subtended by a photosensor placed below the microstructures depends on the operating conditions. The obtained absolute EL yields, determined for different gas pressures and as functions of the applied voltage, are compared with those determined experimentally.