A forward TPC for STAR Original Research Article

Two View the MathML sourceorward View the MathML sourceime View the MathML sourcerojection View the MathML sourcehambers (FTPC) provide charge and momentum information in the pseudorapidity range between 2.5 < |η| < 4.0. A radial TPC scheme is used, where ionisation electrons drift in an electric field perpendicular to the axial solenoidal magnetic field. Curved proportional wire chambers with pad readout record the track information via 19200 electronic channels. We report on measurements with various gas mixtures in a prototype chamber with and without magnetic field. The design and construction of a curved readout chamber is described. Based on the prototype measurements and the final layout of the detector the expected performance in measuring accuracy and two-track-separation is given.