Performance of a fast timing micro-pattern gaseous detector for future collider experiments

TL;DR

This paper evaluates a fast timing micro-pattern gaseous detector designed for high-precision timing in collider experiments, focusing on the performance of GEM foils with resistive coatings and their limitations.

Contribution

It presents systematic studies on resistive DLC-coated GEM foils, highlighting manufacturing challenges and performance constraints of the FTM detector technology.

Findings

High gains achievable only with isobutane-based gas mixtures.

Performance limited by manufacturing technology of DLC-coated GEM foils.

Resistive coatings impact detector gain and timing capabilities.

Abstract

The fast timing MPGD is a micro-pattern gaseous detector conceived for achieving sub-nanosecond time resolution while maintaining the ability to instrument large areas in high-rate environments; applications of such technology are perspected in high-energy physics experiments at future colliders and medical diagnostics with time-of-flight methods. This work shows the systematic studies carried on an FTM prototype on the performance of GEM foils coated with resistive DLC films, whose development is essential for the FTM operation. The resistive foil performance has been tested with several gas mixtures and compared with the results obtained on conductive foils. The results show that the performance of the FTM is presently limited by the technology of manufacturing of DLC-coated GEM foils, with high gains reachable exclusively in isobuthane-based mixtures.