In the framework of the ATTRACT-uRANIA project, funded by the European Community, we are developing an innovative neutron imaging detector based on micro-Resistive WELL (μ-RWELL) technology. The μ-RWELL, based on the resistive detector concept, ensuring an efficient spark quenching mechanism, is a highly reliable device. It is composed by two main elements: a readout-PCB and a cathode. The amplification stage for this device is embedded in the readout board through a resistive layer realized by means of an industrial process with DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon). A thin layer of \boro on the copper surface of the catode allows the thermal neutrons detection through the release of \litio and α particles in the active volume. This technology has been developed to be an efficient and convenient alternative to the 3He shortage. The goal of the project is to prove the feasibility of such a novel neutron detector by developing and testing small planar prototypes with readout boards suitably segmented with strip or pad readout, equipped with existing electronics or readout in current mode. Preliminary results from the test with different prototypes, showing a good agreement with the simulation, will be presented together with construction details of the prototypes and the future steps of the project.

The Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) is a new age detector, which can handle the high flux of particles. The GEM foil, which is constructed using 50 μm highly insulating foil (Kapton/Apical) coated with 5 μm layers of copper, on both sides, with a network of specifically shaped holes is the major component of these detectors. The European Center for Nuclear Research (CERN) has been the sole supplier of the GEM foils until recently when a few other companies started manufacturing GEM foils under the transfer of technology (TOT) agrement from CERN. Techtra is one such company in Europe which gained a right to use CERN developed technology in order to produce commercially viable GEM foils. Micropack Pvt. Ltd. is another company in India which has successfully manufactured good quality GEM foils. Due to the microscopic structure of holes and dependence on the electric field inside, it becomes essential to study the defect and uniformity of holes along with the electrical property of foils under ambient conditions. In this work we are reporting the tests condition of Techtra GEM foils. We report on the development of a cost effective and efficient technique to study the GEM foils holes geometry, distribution, and defects. We also report on the electrical properties of these foils like leakage current, stability, and discharges. At the detector level, we describe the high voltage (HV) response, gain, uniformity, and stability. The GEMs have been proposed to have a wider applications, so we performed a feasibility study to utilize these for the imaging. We irrediated various objects of varying density with X-rays and reconstructed the images. The reconstructed image shows a good distinction between materials of different densities, which can be very useful in various applications like medical imaging or cargo imaging.

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The Low Temperature Cofired Ceramic (LTCC) technology has proven to be highly suitable for 3D microstructures manufacturing in electronic devices due to its excellent electrical and mechanical properties. In this paper, a novel idea of implementing the LTCC structures into high-energy particle detectors technology is proposed. It can be applied in High Energy Physics (HEP) laboratories, where such sophisticated sensors are constantly exposed to particles of the TeV energy range for many years. The most advanced applications of the concept are based on dedicated gas amplifier systems coupled with readout microstructures. Typically, the readout microstructures are made in the Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) technology and processed in a sophisticated and patent-protected way. This article presents the manufacturing process and parameters of the novel microstructures made in the LTCC technology. The structures were implemented into the high-energy particle detector, and the first results are presented.