The Micro Reading Mesh Chamber

Micro-pattern gas detectors (MPGD) could become suitable devices to carry out time-resolved X-ray diffraction experiments in the sub-millisecond time scale at synchrotron radiation facilities. Here we introduce a new MPGD design we have called micro reading mesh chamber (MRMC). It is a position-sensitive gas proportional counter that is built with advanced printed circuit board (PCB) technology. Its layout is based on a mesh formed by two planes of pick-up strips that is separated from the resistive anode by support pillars that set the multiplication region. The aim of the MRMC design has been to prevent the arising of dielectric breakdown and to avoid charging up. We present detailed simulation/optimization work and first experimental results.