Objective
Parallel-plate spark counters (Pestov counters) offer ultra-high time resolution, very good position resolution, an efficiency close to 100%, and, most important, a per-channel price which is (potentially) a factor of ten lower than comparable conventional time-of-flight systems. These features, in the light of the expense of developing new technologies (ultra-clean environment, extreme requirements on electrode surfaces, 10 GHz read-out electronics) make Pestov counters a candidate for high-energy heavy-ion experiments at the CERN-LHC, where a large number of individual channels (up to 200 000) are required.
The Pestov counter is a gaseous parallel-plate counter operating in the spark mode. The performance of the counter is based on the good localization (< 1 mm2) of the discharge (spark) after passage of an ionizing particle due to the use of a highly resistive, semiconductive anode (r >> 109-1010 Wcm) and to the admixture of several quencher gases to the main gas. The gas pressure is kept at 12 bars. The small discharged area of the semiconductive anode ensures that the other area of the anode remains sensitive to other charged particles allowing a high global count rate. The time resolution of a s >>25 ps is achieved by applying an electric field of 60 MV/m over a spark gap of only 100 mm. The rise-time of the pulses is below 300 ps, which means that adequate read-out electronics is not commercially available and must be developed.
The goals of this project are therefore: to build prototype Pestov counters suitable for mass production and to establish the performance of these devices in terms of time and position resolution, efficiency and lifetime; to develop versatile TOF front-end electronics suitable for VLSI with a resolution better than 50 ps; to develop a mass production technology for semi-conductive glass; and to build a small TOF system based on Pestov counters for system tests.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Data not available
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Data not available
Coordinator
64220 Darmstadt
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.