Precise muon detection with novel micropattern gaseous detectors

Abstract

The luminosity frontier in particle physics, in particular the high-luminosity LHC, poses a new level of challenges for the detection of muons. In consequence, muon systems had to evolve into large-scale tracking systems with high spatial and time resolution. Especially the forward regions of the LHC experiments ATLAS and CMS will be challenged by high particle rates and the resulting irradiation, while they need to identify and efficiently trigger the muons from signal events. A new type of gaseous detectors - micro-pattern gas detectors – plays a crucial role in the quest of meeting these goals. This next generation of muon systems had to overcome several technological challenges, like mass production of large-area detectors and high-voltage stability. Two technologies of micropattern gas detectors were identified for the upgrades of the muon forward systems of ATLAS and CMS. This article focuses on their development, implementation and performance. At the end, examples of promising R&D for further developments of future muon systems are summarized.