Solid state breakdown counter for magnetic monopole and other highly ionizing particles searches

TL;DR

This paper discusses solid state breakdown counters that can detect highly ionizing particles like magnetic monopoles in real time, highlighting their operation, potential applications, and future research directions.

Contribution

It introduces the principle of operation of solid state breakdown counters and explores their potential use in magnetic monopole searches, proposing avenues for further development.

Findings

Breakdown counters can detect highly ionizing particles in real time.

Potential for application in magnetic monopole searches like MoEDAL.

Suggestions for research and development to enhance technology appeal.

Abstract

Solid state breakdown counters combine threshold properties of nuclear track detectors with the convenience of electronic event registration in real time. Here we discuss the principle of operation of the breakdown counters and their potential applicability to the existing (MoEDAL) and foreseen (CosmicMoEDAL) searches of magnetic monopoles and other highly ionizing rare particles. Avenues of R\&D that may lead to an increased appeal of the technology are also described