Quality assurance tests and techniques to investigate and improve hermeticity of ATLAS Phase II Resistive Plate Chamber detectors

Abstract: The Phase II upgrade of the ATLAS Muon Spectrometer will involve the installation of approximately 1000 next-generation Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC) singlets. This upgrade aims to enhance detector coverage, increase hit efficiency, and improve timing precision, ultimately strengthening the precision and robustness of the muon trigger system. The upgrade is essential for maintaining the performance of the muon spectrometer in the high-luminosity environment of the HL-LHC, where increased radiation and event rates pose significant challenges. Currently, detector production is underway, with gas gaps being commercially produced in Italy. To ensure the integrity of these gas gaps, especially their mechanical properties and gas tightness, several investigative techniques have been proposed and implemented. This study discusses the results of Thermal Cycling tests performed on ATLAS RPC gas gaps. These tests were conducted between $-33^{\circ}$C and $+35^{\circ}$C in a climate room at University of Cambridge and $-20^{\circ}$C and $+30^{\circ}$C in laboratories at INFN Frascati, providing insights into the effects of mechanical stress due to thermal expansion on gas leaks. Additionally, it outlines various methods employed to assess and enhance the gas tightness of the detectors. The ultimate objective is to produce hermetic RPC detectors, minimising the emission of environmentally harmful gases and mitigating their impact on global warming.