Validation of a µRtube: a new geometry concept for MPGD technologies

A new detector concept optimizes MPGD geometry for low-cost and large-area applications while keeping the same performance. The base element, a µRtube, is a cylindrically shaped µRWELL of 0.9 cm radius, which works as an amplification stage and readout. The external sleeve is 18 cm in diameter and accommodates the cathode, completing a radial tubular TPC having a small internal surface used for the readout. This geometry significantly reduces the number of electronic channels per unit area and brings a new technological achievement with an unprecedented curvature radius of MPDG for imaging and particle identification applications. The detection technique of the µRtube is based on the TPC approach where time information is used to reconstruct the ionizing particle path inside the drift volume. A report on the detector concept and its validation through a full simulation, relative gain measurements using a radioactive source, and test beam is presented. A preliminary spatial resolution of approximately 700 µm was achieved.