Test-beam and simulation studies towards RPWELL-based DHCAL

Abstract

Abstract Digital Hadronic Calorimeters (DHCAL) were suggested for future Colliders as part of the particle-flow concept. Though studied mainly with RPC, studies focusing on sampling elements based on Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detector have shown the potential advantages; they can be operated with environment-friendly gases and reach similar detection efficiency at lower average pad multiplicity. We summarize here the experimental test-beam results of a small-size DHCAL prototype, incorporating six Micromegas and two RPWELL sampling elements, interlaced with steel-absorber plates. It was investigated with 2–6 GeV pion beams at the CERN/PS beam facility. The data permitted validating a GEANT4 simulation framework of a DHCAL, and evaluating the expected pion energy resolution of a full-scale RPWELL-based calorimeter. The pion energy resolution derived for the RPWELL concept is competitive to that of glass RPC and Micromegas sampling techniques.