Identity area
Reference code
Heritage collection CERN-OBJ-CERN-OBJ-DE-106
Title
The LHCb wire chamber
Date(s)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
Object
Context area
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
LHCb measures muons using gold plated tungsten wires stretched over read-out pads. A high voltage is applied across the wires and pads and the set-up is bathed in a gas mixture. Passing muons interact with the gas, knocking out electrons from its atoms in a process called ionization. Both the ionized atoms and the electrons then drift in the electric field. This movement creates an electric signal in the wires and pads that is used to identify where the muon has passed. In total, the LHCb muon detectors contain about 2 million wires and are capable of making measurements 40 million times a second – every time the particle beams collide.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Public
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
30 cm 57 cm 3 cm Approx. 2 kg
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
On loan, Microcosm.
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Alternative identifier(s)
CDS number
2740931