The MicroGap Chamber: a new detector for the next generation of high energy, high rate experiments

The concept of MicroGap Chamber (MGC) is introduced. Results from a large MGC (10 × 10 cm2) with a small stereo angle read-out are presented. Both coordinates are read out from the same side of the detector substrate. Measurements of gain stability, fraction of induced charge on the back electrode, uniformity of response along the strip and rate capability have been performed in the laboratory, using X-ray sources. Detection efficiency, spatial resolution, charge and space correlation have been measured with minimum ionizing particle beams at CERN.