Development and study of a micromegas pad-detector for high rate applications

In this paper, the design and the performance of two prototype detectors based on Micromegas technology with a pad readout geometry are discussed. In addition, two alternative implementations of a spark-resistant protection layer on top of the readout pads have been tested to optimize the charge-up behavior of the detector under high rates. The readout structure of the prototype detectors consists of 500 pads with a size of 5×4 mm2, individually connected to one independent readout channel, and covers an active area of 10×10 cm2. The design of these prototypes and its associated readout infrastructure was developed in such a way that it can be easily adapted for large-scale detector concepts.