Micro-pattern gaseous detectors

Introduced at the end of 1980s micro-pattern gas detectors perform much better than classic wire chambers. They allow to achieve both excellent localization accuracy and high rate capability that make this technology attractive for charged particle tracking at high luminosity colliders. During its evolution micro-pattern gas technology gave raise to many different types of devices such as micro-strip gas chambers, MicroMEGAS, CAT and gas electron multipliers. Essential improvements in the performance of the detectors were achieved especially in what concerned long-term performance: aging and resistance to accidental discharges.