Performance of timing RPC detectors for relativistic ions and design of a time-of-flight detector (iToF) for the R3B-FAIR experiment for fission and spallation reactions

Resistive-plate-chambers (RPCs) were proposed to be used to build a time-of-flight detector for relativist heavy ions of the R3B-FAIR experiment, as well as other applications. State-of-the-art reaction codes allow for evaluating the requirements of the detector. The specific needs that working with heavy ions impose about material thicknesses are solved with new design concepts. We built prototypes and investigated the behaviour of RPCs tested with relativistic heavy ions. We measured the efficiency and streamer presence for ions with atomic numbers up to 38. Electron beams were used to study the timing capabilities of the prototypes.