No Arabic abstract
We present the results of our recent studies on a Thick Gas Electron Multiplier (THGEM)-based imaging detector prototype. It consists of two 100x100 mm^2 THGEM electrodes in cascade, coupled to a resistive anode. The event location is recorded with a 2D double-sided readout electrode equipped with discrete delay-lines and dedicated electronics. The THGEM electrodes, produced by standard printed-circuit board and mechanical drilling techniques, a 0.4 mm thick with 0.5 mm diameter holes spaced by 1 mm. Localization resolutions of about 0.7 mm (FWHM) were measured with soft x-rays, in a detector operated with atmospheric-pressure Ar/CH4; good linearity and homogeneity were achieved. We describe the imaging-detector layout, the resistive-anode 2D readout system and the imaging properties. The THGEM has numerous potential applications that require large-area imaging detectors, with high-rate capability, single-electron sensitivity and moderate (sub-mm) localization resolution.
The conceptual design and operational principle of a novel high-efficiency, fast neutron imaging detector based on THGEM, intended for future fan-beam transmission tomography applications, is described. We report on a feasibility study based on theoretical modeling and computer simulations of a possible detector configuration prototype. In particular we discuss results regarding the optimization of detector geometry, estimation of its general performance, and expected imaging quality: it has been estimated that detection efficiency of around 5-8% can be achieved for 2.5MeV neutrons; spatial resolution is around one millimeter with no substantial degradation due to scattering effects. The foreseen applications of the imaging system are neutron tomography in non-destructive testing for the nuclear energy industry, including examination of spent nuclear fuel bundles, detection of explosives or drugs, as well as investigation of thermal hydraulics phenomena (e.g., two-phase flow, heat transfer, phase change, coolant dynamics, and liquid metal flow).
A thick gas electron multiplier is considered for radiation-hard detectors (hadron calorimeter). There was carried out technological and design study to optimize the element structure. The measurements results and the next plans are presented.
We present a detailed study of the spatial resolution of our time-resolved neutron imaging detector utilizing a new neutron position reconstruction method that improves both spatial resolution and event reconstruction efficiency. Our prototype detector system, employing a micro-pattern gaseous detector known as the micro-pixel chamber ({mu}PIC) coupled with a field-programmable-gate-array-based data acquisition system, combines 100{mu}m-level spatial and sub-{mu}s time resolutions with excellent gamma rejection and high data rates, making it well suited for applications in neutron radiography at high-intensity, pulsed neutron sources. From data taken at the Materials and Life Science Experimental Facility within the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC), the spatial resolution was found to be approximately Gaussian with a sigma of 103.48 +/- 0.77 {mu}m (after correcting for beam divergence). This is a significant improvement over that achievable with our previous reconstruction method (334 +/- 13 {mu}m), and compares well with conventional neutron imaging detectors and with other high-rate detectors currently under development. Further, a detector simulation indicates that a spatial resolution of less than 60 {mu}m may be possible with optimization of the gas characteristics and {mu}PIC structure. We also present an example of imaging combined with neutron resonance absorption spectroscopy.
The operation of single-, double- and triple-THGEM UV-detectors with reflective CsI photocathodes (CsI-THGEM) in Ne/CH4 and Ne/CF4 mixtures was investigated in view of their potential applications in RICH. The studies were carried out with UV, x-rays and {beta}-electrons and focused on the maximum achievable gain, discharge probability, cathode excitation effects and long-term gain stability. Comparative studies under similar conditions were made in CH4, CF4 and Ne/CF4, with a MWPC coupled to a reflective CsI photocathode (CsI-MWPC). It was found that at counting rates <= 10 Hz/mm^2 the maximum achievable gain of CsI-THGEMs is determined by the Raether limit; at counting rates > 10 Hz/mm^2 it dropped with rate. In all cases investigated the attainable CsI-THGEM gain was significantly higher than that of the CsI-MWPC, under similar conditions. Furthermore, the CsI-THGEM UV-detector suffered fewer cathode-excitation induced effects as compared to CsI-MWPC and had better stability at high counting rates.
The Yale-Weizmann collaboration aims to develop a low-radioactivity (low-background) cryogenic noble liquid detector for Dark-Matter (DM) search in measurements to be performed deep underground as for example carried out by the XENON collaboration. A major issue is the background induced by natural radioactivity of present-detector components including the Photo Multiplier Tubes (PMT) made from glass with large U-Th content. We propose to use advanced Thick Gaseous Electron Multipliers (THGEM) recently developed at the Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS). These hole-multipliers will measure in a two-phase (liquid/gas) Xe detector electrons extracted into the gas phase from both ionization in the liquid as well as scintillation-induced photoelectrons from a CsI photocathode immersed in LXe. We report on initial tests (in gas) of THGEM made out of Cirlex (Kapton) which is well known to have low Ra-Th content instead of the usual G10 material with high Ra-Th content.