Studies on fast triggering and high precision tracking with Resistive Plate Chambers

Abstract

We report on studies of fast triggering and high precision tracking using Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs). Two beam tests were carried out with the 180GeV/c muon beam at CERN using glass RPCs with gas gaps of 1.15mm and equipped with readout strips with 1.27mm pitch. This is the first beam test of RPCs with fine-pitch readout strips that explores precision tracking and triggering capabilities. RPC signals were acquired with precision timing and charge integrating readout electronics at both ends of the strips. The time resolution was measured to be better than 600ps and the average spatial resolution was found to be 220μm using charge information and 287μm only using signal arrival time information. The dual-ended readout allows the determination of the average and the difference of the signal arrival times. The average time was found to be independent of the incident particle position along the strip and is useful for triggering purposes. The time difference yielded a determination of the hit position with a precision of 7.5mm along the strip. These results demonstrate the feasibility using RPCs for fast and high-resolution triggering and tracking.