A portable muon telescope based on small and gas-tight resistive plate chambers

Abstract

We report on the first steps in the development of a small-size muon telescope based on glass resistive plate chambers with small active area (16 × 16 cm²). The long-term goal of this project is to focus on applications of muography where the telescope may have to be operated underground and/or inside small rooms, and in challenging logistic situations. Driving principles in our design are therefore compact size, light weight, gas tightness and robustness. The first data-taking experiences have been encouraging, and we elaborate on the lessons learnt and future directions for development.This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Cosmic-ray muography'.

Keywords: cosmic rays; muography; particle detectors; resistive plate chambers.