Large bulk-MICROMEGAS as amplification device for the T2K time projection chambers

T2K is a long baseline neutrino experiment aiming at the study of νμ − νe oscillations between Tokai (Japan) to Super-Kamiokande detector with an excellent sensitivity to the mixing angle θ13. A near detector complex (ND280) located 280 m from the neutrino production target will be used to measure the neutrino energy spectrum, flavor content and interaction rates of the unoscillated neutrino beam. ND280 includes three large Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) based on the bulk-MICROMEGAS technology as readout device. Performance of bulk-MICROMEGAS modules with the Ar-CF4-isobutane (95:3:2) gas mixture are presented. Recent beam tests performed with the first T2K/TPC and its dedicated front-end electronics, based on the AFTER ASIC, are also discussed.