A numerical study on the discharges in Micromegas

Abstract

The Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGD) have been widely adopted in nuclear and particle physics experiments, for their fast response and other excellent characteristics. To achieve the required signal strength and detection efficiency, sometimes they are operated at a high voltage range. This often challenges the limit of high voltage stability of the detector. Discharge in gaseous detectors is a complex process and involves several responsible factors. The microscopic geometrical structures of the MPGDs may itself sometimes induce discharges. In this study, we are numerically investigating the discharge phenomena in non-resistive Micromegas. Within the COMSOL framework, a 3-dimensional model is developed to observe the occurrence and the development of discharge in Micromegas. The effect of space charge has been taken into account in the calculation. The model allows to vary the geometrical parameters of the detector as well as to study the effects of gas impurities and a different number of primary charges.