Low-cost, High Performance Micromegas Particle Detector(Micromegas Particle Detector with Improved Pixelated Ground Plane)

Improvements in high energy particle accelerator detectors are needed to realize their potential for new discoveries in basic physics. The micromegas detector can achieve the best performance at lowest cost for the large structures required. Optimizing material choices is expected to increase gain, improve gain uniformity and reduce arcing. Statement of how this problem is being addressed Triton will use new flexible glass materials for a smoother ground plane that can be fit to cylindrical detectors. We will use valve metal oxides to reduce arcing. The combination is expected to increase stability at high pressure and allow an increased electric field with concomitant improvement in gain and count rate, with greater uniformity of response over sub-millimeter distances, and with increased spatial and energy resolution. What will be done in Phase I? In Phase I Triton Systems, Inc. will design and fabricate a series of small micromegas particle detectors with varying mesh materials, spacing, pillar spacing, and pixel spacing on the ground plane. These detectors will be square, from 25 to 50mm on a side. At least 2 and as many as 8 pieces will be made and tested at the National Superconductor Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits Improved experimental equipment improves DOE capability and reduces cost directly through cost-effective apparatus procurement and indirectly as improved performance gets desired results faster. The detector to be developed has significant medical applications in digital x-ray images with desirable energy resolution. Key Words Micromegas, particle detector, gamma ray detector, x-ray detector Summary for Members of Congress This proposed innovation for assembling micromegas particle detectors should reduce costs and reduce time to get results in basic physics experiments trying to answer fundamental questions in particle physics.