First results of Resistive-Plate Well (RPWELL) detector operation at 163 K

We present for the first time, discharge-free operation at cryogenic conditions of a Resistive-Plate WELL (RPWELL) detector. It is a single-sided Thick Gaseous Electron Multiplier (THGEM) coupled to a readout anode via a plate of high bulk resistivity. The results of single- and double-stage RPWELL detectors operated in stable conditions in Ne/5%CH4 at 163 K are summarized. The RPWELL comprised a ferric-based (Fe3+) ceramic composite (“Fe-ceramic”) as the resistive plate, of volume resistivity ∼1011 Ωċcm at this temperature. Gains of ∼104 and ∼105 were reached with the single-stage RPWELL, with 6 keV X-rays and single UV-photons, respectively. The double-stage detector, a THGEM followed by the RPWELL, reached gains ∼105 and ∼106 with X-rays and single UV-photons, respectively. The results were obtained with and without a CsI photocathode on the first multiplying element. Potential applications at these cryogenic conditions are discussed.