R&D on GEM Detectors for Forward Tracking at a Future Electron-Ion Collider

TL;DR

This paper reports on the development of large triple-GEM detectors for forward tracking at a future Electron-Ion Collider, focusing on design, assembly techniques, and cost-effective readout technologies to enhance QCD studies.

Contribution

It introduces a specialized GEM detector prototype with innovative assembly methods and diverse readout options tailored for EIC forward tracking applications.

Findings

Design of a trapezoidal GEM detector for EIC

Evaluation of re-openable assembly techniques

Development of cost-effective 1D and 2D readout methods

Abstract

We report the status of R&D on large triple-GEM detectors for a forward tracker (FT) in an experiment at a future Electron Ion Collider (EIC) that will improve our understanding of QCD. We have designed a detector prototype specifically targeted for the EIC-FT, which has a trapezoidal shape with 30.1 degrees opening angle. We are investigating different detector assembly techniques and signal readout technologies, but have designed a common GEM foil to minimize NRE cost for foil production. The assembly techniques comprise either a purely mechanical method including foil stretching as pioneered by CMS but with certain modifications, or gluing foils to frames that are then assembled mechanically, or gluing foils to frames that are then glued together. The first two assembly techniques allow for re-opening chambers so that a GEM foil can be replaced if it is damaged. For readout technologies, we are pursuing a cost-effective one-dimensional readout with wide zigzag strips that maintains reasonable spatial resolution, as well two-dimensional readouts - one with stereo-angle (u-v) strips and another with r-phi strips. In addition, we aim at an overall low-mass detector design to facilitate good energy resolution for electrons scattered at low momenta. We present design for GEM foils and other detector parts, which we plan to entirely acquire from U.S. companies.