About the LCTPC Collaboration

For the International Linear Collider (ILC), three concept studies for detectors are ongoing. At least one of these three detector concepts - the International Large Detector (ILD) - plans to use a Time Projection Chamber (TPC) as the main tracking device.
To meet the demands at the ILC, the LCTPC collaboration is working to develop an advanced TPC. This TPC should meet the following goals:

  • continuous 3-D tracking, easy pattern recognition throughout large volume, well suited for large magnetic field
  • ~99% tracking efficiency in presence of backgrounds (all tracking, 97% TPC only) for pt > 1 GeV/c
  • time stamping to 2 ns together with inner silicon
  • minimum of X0 inside Ecal ( < 4% to outer field cage, < 15% endcaps)
  • σpt < 100μm (rφ) and ~ 500μm (rz)
  • 2-hit resolution <2mm (rφ) and <6mm (rz)
  • dE/dx resolution ~ 5%
  • easily maintainable if designed properly, in case of beam accidents, for example
  • design for full precision/efficiency at 10 x estimated backgrounds

To reach the goals stated above, a research and development program is going on in groups world wide. This program can be divided in three phases.
First, the Demonstration Phase. This has been ongoing for several years and will continue further. it includes the work with small prototypes to prove the feasibility of a MPGD TPC, to understand resolution and reconstruction and to map out the parameter space. For CMOS-based pixel TPC ideas this includes proof-of-principle tests.
The second phase is called the Consolidation phase. This is currently going on and includes the design, the construction and the running of the Large Prototype, to test manufacturing techniques for MPGD endplates, fieldcage and electronics and collect experience for the construction of the final TPC at a large detector.
The third phase is called the Design Phase and should start around 2011/12. Here, the decision will be taken which endplate technology will be used for the linear collider TPC. Further the design for the TPC will be finished.

The organization of the LCTPC collaboration is divided in two parts. For one, the collaboration is sub-divided according to the location of the participating institues in three regions (Americas, Asia, and Europe) and for each region there is a regional coordinator. For each institute a contact person is assigned and these form the so-called collaboration board.
The second organizational structure corresponds to the research and work topics. The conveners assigned to each topic form together the so-called technical board.
The spokesperson of the collaboration is chosen by the regional coordinators once a year. Currently Jochen Kaminski (University Bonn) holds this position.