{\mu}RWELL-PICOSEC: Precision Timing with Resistive Micro-Well Detector

TL;DR

The paper discusses the development and testing of the {l}RWELL-PICOSEC detector, a gaseous detector aiming for sub-24 ps timing resolution, with ongoing R&D to enhance its performance and scalability for high-energy physics experiments.

Contribution

Introduction of the novel {l}RWELL-PICOSEC detector based on {l}RWELL amplification, demonstrating promising timing performance and potential for large-scale applications.

Findings

Achieved timing resolution better than 24 ps in beam tests.

Demonstrated feasibility of {l}RWELL-PICOSEC for high-precision timing.

Ongoing R&D to improve stability and scalability.

Abstract

The PICOSEC detector concept uses a micro-pattern gaseous detector (MPGD) amplification structure combined with a Cerenkov radiator coated with a semi-transparent photocathode to provide below tens of picosecond-level precision timing capabilities with minimum ionizing particles. PICOSEC has triggered interest in the development of time-of-flight detectors for particle identification and timing detectors for track reconstruction in the high rate environment of future nuclear and high energy physics experiments. The PICOSEC Micromegas (or PICOSEC-MM) detector, developed by the CERN-based PICOSEC collaboration, use the Micromegas structure for gaseous amplification and achieve below 20 ps timing resolution. A new type of PICOSEC detector, the {\mu}RWELL-PICOSEC based on {\mu}RWELL amplification structure, is being investigated at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab) alongside PICOSEC-MM R&D efforts in Europe. Preliminary results from the two 2024 beam test campaigns at CERN demonstrate a timing performance better than 24 ps is achievable with a single-channel {\mu}RWELL-PICOSEC prototype. A vigorous R&D effort is ongoing to improve the timing performance, robustness and operational stability of {\mu}RWELL-PICOSEC detectors. Development of a large size {\mu}RWELL-PICOSEC is also under consideration for applications in large scale experiments.