PICOSEC-Micromegas Detector, an innovative solution for Lepton Time Tagging

TL;DR

The PICOSEC-Micromegas detector offers a groundbreaking approach for ultra-precise lepton timing, achieving sub-25 ps resolution by detecting UV Cherenkov light, with promising applications in neutrino beam monitoring.

Contribution

This work introduces a novel gaseous detector that combines Cherenkov light detection with Micromegas technology for unprecedented timing precision in particle physics experiments.

Findings

Achieved timing resolution below 25 ps in prototype tests.

Designed resistive detectors capable of high particle flux handling.

Proposed applications include electromagnetic shower tagging and muon timing with 20-30 ps resolution.

Abstract

The PICOSEC-Micromegas (PICOSEC-MM) detector is a novel gaseous detector designed for precise timing resolution in experimental measurements. It eliminates time jitter from charged particles in ionization gaps by using extreme UV Cherenkov light emitted in a crystal, detected by a Micromegas photodetector with an appropriate photocathode. The first single-channel prototype tested in 150 GeV/c muon beams achieved a timing resolution below 25 ps, a significant improvement compared to standard Micropattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs). This work explores the specifications for applying these detectors in monitored neutrino beams for the ENUBET Project. Key aspects include exploring resistive technologies, resilient photocathodes, and scalable electronics. New 7-pad resistive detectors are designed to handle the particle flux. In this paper, two potential scenarios are briefly considered: tagging electromagnetic showers with a timing resolution below 30 ps in an electromagnetic calorimeter as well as individual particles (mainly muons) with about 20 ps respectively.