Development of the Micro Pixel Chamber with resistive electrodes

Abstract

We developed a novel design of a Micro Pixel Chamber ($\mu$-PIC) with resistive electrodes for a charged-particle-tracking detector in high-rate applications. Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) thin film is used for the cathodes. The resistivity can be controlled flexibly ($\mathrm{10^{5-7}k\Omega/sq.}$) at high uniformity. The fabrication-process was greatly improved and the resistive $\mu$-PIC could be operated at 10$\times$10 $\mathrm{cm^2}$. Resistors for the HV bias and capacitors for the AC coupling were completely removed by applying PCB and carbon-sputtering techniques, and the resistive $\mu$-PIC became a very compact detector. The performances of our new resistive $\mu$-PIC were measured in various ways. Consequently, it was possible to attain high gas gains ($\mathrm{> 10^{4}}$), high detection efficiency, and position resolution exceeding 100 $\mu$m. The spark current was suppressed, and the new resistive $\mu$-PIC was operated stably under fast-neutrons irradiation. These features offer solutions for a charged-particle-tracking detector in future high-rate applications.