The THGEM: A thick robust gaseous

electron multiplier for radiation detectors

A. Breskin, M. Cortesia , R. Alon, J. Miyamoto a, V. Peskov a, G. Bartesaghi, a R. Chechika, V. Dangendorf
b , J. M. Maia c, J.M.F. dos Santos d

a Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel

b PTB, Braunshweig, Germany
University of Beira-Interior, Covilha, Portugal
c

d Physics Department, University of Coimbra, Portugal

Presented by

HOPE EARL R. BORONGAN

Outline
Introduction
 Motivation
 Objective

 Principal Properties of THGEM detectors

Applications
Introduction
Motivation
The development of the Thick Gas Electron Multiplier
(THGEM) was motivated by the need for robust large –
area, fast radiation imaging detectors with moderate
localization resolution.
-by
- Achoosing
sub-mm distance
the the electrode’s
between anode
functional-structure
and cathode ensures
dimensions
fas charge collection
in the sub-mm
and timing
scale, relatively
of a few ns;
simple
yet, the
and
inexpensive
sub-mm hole production
diameter is
techniques
larger than
canelectron
be employed
diffusion
to in
porduce
most gases,
verywith
large-area
consequently
detectors.
favorable electron
transport into and out of the holes.
Objective

We Briefly summarize here the principal

detector properties, present recent data on
THGEM operation in noble gases and
discuss applications in particle physics
and beyond.
 FIGURE 1
The THGEM is produced from metal-clad insulator by drilling holes and etching
their rims. The latter enhance the electrode’s immunity to defect-induced
discharges, leading to higher gains compared to rimless holes. The rim is most
probaby responsible for up-charging and polarization of the substrate, manifested
as long stabilization time of the detector’s gain.
PRINCIPAL DETECTOR PROPERTIES
FIGURE 3a

In Ne and Ne/CH4 mixtures, very high gains were reached at rather low voltages.
FIGURE 3b
Importantly, in Ar/5%CH4 the gain limit for 9keV X-rays is about 50 times lower than
that for single photoelectrons, assumed to e a charge density effect; in Ne and Ne/CH 4
mixtures a significantly smaller difference in gain limit was noted in coherence with the
lower ionization charge density.
Fig. 4 Gain of single and double THGEMs in Xe and Xe/5% Ar at various pressures,
room temperature.
Applications
THGEM detectors could be considered for applications where robust,
economic, large-area detectors are required, with fast response and sub-
mm resolution.
They are also good candidates when operation in noble gases is foreseen.

Presently, they are studied as an optional upgrade of the photon detectors

of the CERN-COMPASS and CERN-ALICE RICH systems. A double or a
triple-THGEM imaging detector with reflective CsI photocathode
deposited on the 1st THGEM-s top electrode is envisaged within the CERN
RD51 project.

Track sampling in digital calorimeters at the future ILC

Applications
THGEM-photomultipliers with CsI photocathodes are investigated for a
novel LXe γ-camera, for a 3- γ medical-imaging concept.

THGEM could be used for neutron radiography, by coupling them to

appropriate converters.
The stable high gain operation of THGEM detectors in most noble
gases at temperatures down to the LAr, make them attractive candidates
for applications in various double-phase detectors or large TPC’s,
designed for rare-event experiments (dark matter, neutrino physics,
double-beta decay, etc)

THGEM detectors with CsI photocathodes may also record

scintillation light from interactions in the liquid or the gas phases, as
well as electrons deposited in the TPC volume.