Single-gap timing RPCs with bidimensional position-sensitive readout for very accurate TOF systems

In this work, we report the development and performance of single-gap timing RPCs equipped with a 3 mm FWHM resolution bidimensional position-sensitive readout and reaching a timing resolution of 55 ps σ at an efficiency of 75% for MIPs. These chambers are aimed to be applied in a multilayer geometry, forming small and very accurate TOF systems. The avalanche localization capability would provide information for accurate flight-path determination and allow the offline correction of any position dependent effects in the chamber, like gap inhomogeneities or edge effects. The multilayer geometry would provide redundant timing information, which, besides improving the timing resolution, can be used for reducing the timing tails and for the self-calibration of the device. From the experimental single-chamber data it can be calculated that a four-layer configuration of such chambers would yield a time resolution of 33 ps σ at a 95% efficiency, essentially free of timing tails.