p/π＋ response of single layer THGEM detector in Ar＋3% iC4H10

In this work, we study the response of a single layer Thick Gaseous Electron Multiplier （THGEM） detector to p/π＋ at the E3 line of the Beijing Test Beam Facility. The THGEM detector drift gap used in this study is 4 mm, and the gain of the detector operated in Ar＋3% iC4H10 is about 2000. p/π＋ particles at momenta between 500 MeV/c and 1000 MeV/c are distinguished by a Time Of Flight system. Our results show that at the measured momenta, detection efficiencies for p are from 93% to 99%, and for π＋ in the range of 82%-88%. Meanwhile, simple Geant4 simulations also have been done, and are consistent with the amplitude spectra of the beam test results. We preliminarily study the feasibility of the THGEM detector as a sampling element for a Digital Hadronic Calorimeter （DHCAL）, which may provide support for the possible application of a THGEM detector in the Circular Electron Positron Collider （CEPC） HCAL.