In-beam performance of a Resistive Plate Chamber operated with eco-friendly gas mixtures

ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) studies the Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP): a deconfined state of nuclear matter obtained in ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions. One of the key probes for QGP characterization is the study of quarkonia and open heavy flavor production, of which ALICE exploits the muonic decay. In particular, a set of Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs), placed in the forward rapidity region of the ALICE detector, is used for muon identification purposes. The correct operation of these detectors is ensured by the choice of the proper gas mixture. Currently they are operated with a mixture of C2H2F4, i-C4H10 and SF6 but, starting from 2017, new EU regulations have enforced a progressive phase-out of C2H2F4 because of its large Global Warming Potential (GWP), which is making it difficult and costly to purchase. Moreover, CERN asked LHC experiments to reduce greenhouse gases emissions, to which RPC operation contributes significantly. A possible candidate for C2H2F4 replacement is the C3H2F4 (diluted with other gases, such as CO2), which has been extensively tested using cosmic muons. Promising gas mixtures have been devised; the next crucial steps are the detailed in-beam characterization of such mixtures as well as the study of their performance under increasing irradiation levels. This contribution will describe the methodology and results of beam tests carried out at the CERN Gamma Irradiation Facility (equipped with a high activity 137Cs source and muon beam) with an ALICE-like RPC prototype, operated with several mixtures with varying proportions of CO2, C3H2F4, i-C4H10 and SF6. Absorbed currents, efficiencies, prompt charges, cluster sizes, time resolutions and rate capabilities will be presented, both from digitized (for detailed shape and charge analysis) and discriminated (using the same front-end electronics as employed in ALICE) signals.