Studies on fast triggering and high precision tracking with Resistive Plate Chambers

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that Resistive Plate Chambers with fine-pitch readout strips can achieve fast triggering and high-precision tracking, with sub-nanosecond timing and sub-millimeter spatial resolution, suitable for particle detection applications.

Contribution

First beam test of RPCs with fine-pitch readout strips showing simultaneous high-precision tracking and fast triggering capabilities.

Findings

Time resolution better than 600 ps

Spatial resolution of 220 um with charge info

Position determination along strip with 7.5 mm precision

Abstract

We report on studies of fast triggering and high-precision tracking using Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs). Two beam tests were carried out with the 180 GeV muon beam at CERN using RPCs with gas gaps of 1.00 or 1.15 mm and equipped with readout strips with 1.27 mm pitch. This is the first beam test of RPCs with fine-pitch readout strips that explores simultaneously precision tracking and triggering capabilities. RPC signals were acquired with precision timing and charge integrating readout electronics at both ends of the strips. The time resolution was measured to be better than 600 ps and the average spatial resolution was found to be 220 um using charge information and 287 um using timing information. The dual-ended readout allows the determination of the average and the difference of the signal arrival times. The average time was found to be independent of the incident particle position along the strip and is useful for triggering purposes. The time difference yielded a determination of the hit position with a precision of 7.5 mm along the strip. These results demonstrate the feasibility using RPCs for fast and high-resolution triggering and tracking.