Photocathode characterisation for robust PICOSEC Micromegas precise-timing detectors

Lisowska, M.; Aleksan, R.; Angelis, Y.; Aune, S.; Bortfeldt, J.; Brunbauer, F.; Brunoldi, M.; Chatzianagnostou, E.; Datta, J.; Dehmelt, K.; Fanourakis, G.; Ferry, S.; Fiorina, D.; Floethner, K.J.; Gallinaro, M.; Garcia, F.; Giomataris, I.; Gnanvo, K.; Iguaz, F.J.; Janssens, D.; Kallitsopoulou, A.; Kovacic, M.; Kross, B.; Lai, C.C.; Legou, P.; Liu, J.; Lupberger, M.; Maniatis, I.; McKisson, J.; Meng, Y.; Muller, H.; De Oliveira, R.; Oliveri, E.; Orlandini, G.; Pandey, A.; Papaevangelou, T.; Pomorski, M.; Robert, M.; Ropelewski, L.; Sampsonidis, D.; Scharenberg, L.; Schneider, T.; Scorsone, E.; Sohl, L.; van Stein, M.; Tsipolitis, Y.; Tzamarias, S.; Utrobičić, Antonija; Vai, I.; Veenhof, R.; Viezzi, L.; Vitulo, P.; Volpato, C.; Wang, X.; White, S.; Xi, W.; Zhang, Z.; Zhou, Y. (2025) Photocathode characterisation for robust PICOSEC Micromegas precise-timing detectors. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 1072 . ISSN 01689002

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Abstract

The PICOSEC Micromegas detector is a precise-timing gaseous detector based on a Cherenkov radiator coupled with a semi-transparent photocathode and a Micromegas amplifying structure, targeting a time resolution of tens of picoseconds for minimum ionising particles. Initial single-pad prototypes have demonstrated a time resolution below a = 25 ps, prompting ongoing developments to adapt the concept for High Energy Physics applications, where sub-nanosecond precision is essential for event separation, improved track reconstruction and particle identification. The achieved performance is being transferred to robust multi-channel detector modules suitable for large-area detection systems requiring excellent timing precision. To enhance the robustness and stability of the PICOSEC Micromegas detector, research on robust carbon-based photocathodes, including Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) and Boron Carbide (B4C), is pursued. Results from prototypes equipped with DLC and B4C photocathodes exhibited a time resolution of a approximate to 32 ps and a approximate to 34.5 ps, respectively. Efforts dedicated to improve detector robustness and stability enhance the feasibility of the PICOSEC Micromegas concept for large experiments, ensuring sustained performance while maintaining excellent timing precision.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Gaseous detectors; Micromegas; Photocathodes; Timing resolution
Subjects:	NATURAL SCIENCES > Physics NATURAL SCIENCES > Physics > Physics of Elementary Particles and Fields TECHNICAL SCIENCES > Electrical Engineering
Divisions:	Division of Experimental Physics
Depositing User:	Ema Buhin Šaler
Date Deposited:	27 Feb 2026 08:56
URI:	http://fulir.irb.hr/id/eprint/11282
DOI:	10.1016/j.nima.2024.170151

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