Numerical calculation of RPC time resolution

TL;DR

This paper presents a numerical model using finite element methods to estimate the time resolution of Resistive Plate Chambers, considering factors like geometry, voltage, and gas mixture, to improve detector performance understanding.

Contribution

The work introduces a novel numerical approach combining COMSOL, HEED, and MAGBOLTZ to simulate RPC avalanche processes and predict time resolution.

Findings

Model accurately estimates RPC time resolution based on detector parameters.

Simulation results align with experimental data.

Provides insights for optimizing RPC design and operation.

Abstract

Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC) is a gaseous detector, known for its good spatial resolution and excellent time resolution. Due to its fast response and excellent time resolution, it is used for both triggering and timing purpose. But the time resolution of RPC is dependent on the detector geometry, applied voltage and the gas mixture used for detector operation. In this work, we have tried to develop a numerical model to estimate the time resolution of the detector. The model is developed using COMSOL Multiphysics, a commercially available finite element method solver. Using the primary ionization information from HEED and the electron transport properties from MAGBOLTZ, the model solves the Boltzmann equations to simulate the avalanche in the detector and finds the time to cross a previously determined threshold current, which is used to measure the time resolution of the detector.