A Novel Readout Scheme for Muon Tomography Application in Material Identification

TL;DR

This paper introduces a cost-effective, multi-parameter readout system for muon scattering tomography using Resistive Plate Chambers, enhancing position accuracy and tracking for material identification applications.

Contribution

It presents a novel, low-cost FPGA-based data acquisition system utilizing NINO ASICs and Time over-Threshold measurements for improved muon tracking and imaging.

Findings

Successful initial tests with a prototype RPC demonstrate effective event selection.

The system achieves enhanced position resolution through TOT property utilization.

Imaging setup with a single RPC shows potential for material identification.

Abstract

This work reports a cost-effective, multi-parameter readout and data-acquisition system for a muon scattering tomography system based on Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs). Initial test measurements with a prototype Resistive Plate Chamber were performed using a low-cost FPGA coupled to the NINO ASIC for the event selection and handling data. The Time over-Threshold (TOT) property of NINO ASICs has been used to achieve better position information and achieve precise tracking capability. In our test setup, we try to build an imaging setup using a single RPC and lead block, which covers some areas of RPC. A glass RPC of dimension 30cm x 30cm, filled with a gas mixture of 95% Freon and 5% Isobutane, equipped with two orthogonal panels of readout strips of width 3 cm and pitch 3.2 cm, has been operated.