Assessment of a Micromega detector based on Finite Element Method for X-ray polarimetry

Abstract

Performance of a micropattern gaseous detector of parallel plate type, a Micromega detector, was assessed for X-ray astronomical studies in this research. For this purpose, COMSOL Multiphysics software which solves differential equations based on Finite Element Method was used. Thus, by solving Poisson equation in the detector geometry, electric field in each point was obtained. Gain of the detector was estimated by using the obtained electric field and solving continuity equation. Results show that simulated detector gain was 100 at voltage of 400 V. Obtained results corresponds well with the results of simulation of the detector with Garfield code which verifies the performed simulation. This detector is a proper tool for X-ray polarimetry with respect to its good characteristics such as high resolution, large area and good performance at high flux.

Keywords

• micropattern gaseous detectors
• micromega
• x-ray telescope
• comsol