# GADGET: A Gas Amplifier Detector with Germanium Tagging

## TL;DR

GADGET is a novel detection system combining a gaseous proton detector with germanium tagging, enabling high-efficiency measurement of weak, low-energy beta-delayed proton decays crucial for nuclear astrophysics.

## Contribution

The paper introduces the design, construction, and operation of GADGET, a new system integrating a Micromegas-based proton detector with germanium detectors for the first time.

## Key findings

- Achieved over 95% detection efficiency for low-energy beta-delayed protons.
- Demonstrated effective proton-gamma coincidence detection at 2.7%.
- Validated system performance with extsuperscript{25}Si beam at NSCL.

## Abstract

The Gas Amplifier Detector with Germanium Tagging (GADGET) is a new detection system devoted to the measurement of weak, low-energy $\beta$-delayed proton decays relevant for nuclear astrophysics studies. It is comprised of a new gaseous Proton Detector equipped with a Micromegas readout for charged particle detection, surrounded by the existing Segmented Germanium Array (SeGA) for the high-resolution detection of the prompt $\gamma$-rays. In this work we describe in detail for the first time the design, construction, and operation of the GADGET system, including performance of the Proton Detector. We present the results of a recent commissioning experiment performed with \textsuperscript{25}Si beam at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL). GADGET provided low-background, low-energy $\beta$-delayed proton detection with efficiency above 95\%, and relatively good efficiency for proton-gamma coincidences (2.7\% at 1.37 MeV).