Eco-friendly Resistive Plate Chambers for detectors in future HEP applications

Resistive Plate Chamber detectors are largely used in current High Energy Physics experiments, typically operated in avalanche mode with large fractions of Tetrafluoroethane (C2H2F4), a gas recently banned by the European Union due to its high Global Warming Potential (GWP). An intense R&D activity is ongoing to improve RPC technology in view of future HEP applications. In the last few years the RPC EcoGas@GIF++ Collaboration has been putting in place a joint effort between the ALICE, ATLAS, CMS, LHCb/SHiP and EP-DT Communities to investigate the performance of present and future RPC generations with eco-friendly gas mixtures. Detectors with different layout and electronics have been operated with ecological gas mixtures, with and without irradiation at the CERN Gamma Irradiation Facility (GIF++). Results of these performance studies together with plans for an aging test campaign are discussed in this article.

Automated summary

Resistive Plate Chamber detectors are widely used in current High Energy Physics experiments. However, efforts are being made to find eco-friendly gas alternatives to Tetrafluoroethane. The RPC EcoGas@GIF++ collaboration aims to improve RPC technology, evaluate the performance of RPCs with eco-friendly gas mixtures, and conduct aging tests.