A High Compression Ratio Channel Multiplexing Method for Micro-pattern Gaseous Detectors

Abstract: The demand for a large number of readout channels has been a limiting factor for the application of Micro-pattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs) in achieving higher spatial resolution and larger detection areas. This challenge is further compounded by issues related to system integration, power consumption, and cost efficiency. To address these challenges, this study proposes two novel multiplexing methods based on Eulerian circuits. Mathematical calculations indicate that with $n$ electronics channels, up to $n \times (n-1)/2 - (n - 2)/2 + 1$ detector channels can be read out, where $n$ is even. Three types of multiplexing circuits were designed, implemented, and tested in combination with Micromegas detectors. Experimental results demonstrate that, for a multiplexing circuit with a factor of 8, the spatial resolution remains comparable to the direct readout method, while achieving a detection efficiency exceeding 94\%. For a circuit with a multiplexing factor of 16, although the spatial resolution shows a slight degradation, the detection efficiency remains above 93.6\%. These results demonstrate that the proposed multiplexing methods can significantly reduce the number of readout channels while maintaining an acceptable level of spatial resolution and detection efficiency. These findings highlight the potential of the proposed multiplexing techniques for applications in fields requiring high-resolution and cost-effective detector systems, such as cosmic-ray muon imaging.