Advancements in GEM Detectors for Radiation Studies
Researchers have made significant strides in understanding the effects of radiation on Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors. These detectors play a vital role in nuclear and particle physics experiments. A new technique utilizing a radioactive source has emerged, simplifying the study of radiation effects on these detectors. This advancement is crucial for enhancing the performance and reliability of GEM detectors in high-energy physics applications.
Understanding Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) Detectors
Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors are essential tools in high-energy physics. They serve as tracking devices that detect particles produced by ionizing radiation. The design of a GEM detector includes a thin, perforated foil that creates a high electric field. This electric field amplifies the signals generated by particles, allowing for precise detection of various particles, including muons. The initial signal produced by a particle’s interaction with the gas inside the detector is significantly multiplied, enhancing detection accuracy.
First introduced by Professor Fabio Sauli in 1997, GEM detectors consist of a 50 ฮผm thick Kapton foil, which is coated with 5 ฮผm copper on both sides. Their excellent position resolution makes them strong candidates for diagnostic applications in medical technology. However, the inclusion of Kapton, a radiation-resistant polyimide film, introduces sensitivity to radiation-induced effects. Specifically, the charging-up of the dielectric medium can impact the detector’s performance. When ionizing radiation interacts with the detector, it deposits energy, leading to the formation of electron avalanches. This process results in charge accumulation on the Kapton foil, which enhances the electric field within the GEM holes, ultimately boosting the detector’s gain and efficiency.
Investigating the Charging-Up Effect
To better understand the charging-up effect in GEM detectors, a team led by Dr. Saikat Biswas and his PhD student, Dr. Sayak Chatterjee, conducted a comprehensive study. Collaborating with the Bose Institute, an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology in India, they aimed to explore how charge accumulation affects detector performance. The research is particularly relevant as India is responsible for constructing all GEM chambers for the upcoming Compressed Baryonic Matter (CBM) experiment at FAIR, which will operate in a high-radiation environment.
The research team developed a specialized experimental setup to investigate the charging-up effect in triple GEM detectors. They focused on how the gain of the detector varied over time. Their analysis revealed that as the detector gain or the irradiation rate increased, the charging-up time decreased significantly. This behavior was attributed to higher particle densities, which facilitated faster charge equilibrium within the GEM holes. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for predicting how GEM detectors will behave in radiation-intensive environments.
Implications for Future Research and Applications
The findings from this study provide valuable insights into the behavior of GEM detectors under radiation exposure. These insights are critical for designing and operating GEM chambers in high-rate experiments, such as the CBM experiment at FAIR in Germany. The research not only benefits the CBM project but also has implications for other high-rate experiments utilizing GEM technology.
The researchers plan to extend their investigation to examine how the geometry of GEM foils affects the charging-up effect. They also aim to explore the behavior of GEM detectors under various types of radiation beyond laboratory conditions. The results of this research have been published in the Journal of Instrumentation and Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A. These publications mark significant milestones in the development of indigenous gaseous detectors, paving the way for future advancements in the field.
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