A GEM-based detector for detection and imaging sparks and flames

TL;DR

This paper presents a modified GEM-based detector designed for fire safety that is significantly more sensitive and has better time resolution than commercial flame sensors, enabling precise detection and localization of sparks and flames.

Contribution

The work introduces a GEM-based detector operating in sealed mode with enhanced sensitivity and spatial resolution for fire detection applications, adapting a previous RICH detector design.

Findings

Detector is nearly 1000 times more sensitive than commercial sensors.

Achieves 100 times better time resolution.

Enables precise localization of sparks and flames.

Abstract

Earlier we have developed and successfully tested a RICH detector prototype consisting in a CsI coated triple GEM operated in gas flushed mode In the given work, a modified version of this detector for a completely different application - fire safety- is presented. The detector operates in sealed mode and is combined with an optical system and a narrow band filter As a photosensitive element, a CsI photocathode coated with a thin layer of ethylferrocene was used. This detector is almost 1000 times more sensitive than the best commercial flame sensor; it has 100 times better time resolution and allows determining the location where the spark or flame appears