A portable muon telescope based on small and gas-tight Resistive Plate Chambers

TL;DR

This paper introduces a compact, gas-tight muon telescope using small glass Resistive Plate Chambers, aiming for portable muography applications in confined or challenging environments.

Contribution

It presents the design and initial testing of a small, robust muon detector suitable for underground or confined space applications, emphasizing portability and durability.

Findings

Encouraging initial data-taking results

Design emphasizes compactness and gas tightness

Lessons learned for future development

Abstract

We report on the first steps in the development of a small-size muon telescope based on glass Resistive Plate Chambers with small active area ($16\times 16~{\rm cm}^2$). The long-term goal of this project is to focus on applications of muography where the telescope may have to be operated underground and/or inside small rooms, and in challenging logistic situations. Driving principles in our design are therefore compact size, light weight, gas tightness, and robustness. The first data-taking experiences have been encouraging, and we elaborate on the lessons learnt and future directions for development.