Applications

Abstract

In this chapter, some applications of micropattern detectors are described. Their main application is tracking of charged particles in high-energy physics. However, currently there are a lot of research and developments going on, which may open new exciting fields of applications, for example in dark matter search, medical applications, homeland security, etc. The authors start with the traditional applications, which are in high-energy physics and astrophysics. Later, the focus shifts to promising developments oriented towards new applications. These innovative applications include: imaging of charged particles and energetic photons with unprecedented high 2-D spatial resolution (e.g. in mammography), time projection chambers capable operating in a high flux of particles (e.g. ALICE upgraded TPC), and visualization of ultraviolet and visible photons. Finally, a short description of the international collaboration RD51 established at CERN is given in order to promote the development of micropattern detectors and their applications.