Charge transfer and charge broadening of GEM structures in high magnetic fields

Abstract We report on the measurements of charge transfer in Gas Electron Multipliers (GEM) structures in high magnetic fields. These were performed in the framework of the R&D work for a Time Projection Chamber at a future Linear Collider. A small test chamber has been installed in the aperture of a superconducting magnet with the GEM structures mounted perpendicular to the B -field direction. The charge transfer is derived from the electrical currents monitored during irradiation with an 55 Fe source. No significant loss of primary ionisation charge is observed, and an improved ion feedback suppression is achieved for high magnetic fields. Additionally, the width of the charge cloud released by individual 55 Fe photons is measured using a finely segmented strip readout after the triple GEM structure. Charge widths between 0.3 and 0.5 mm RMS are observed, which originate from the charge broadening inside the GEM amplification. This charge broadening is only partly suppressed at high magnetic fields.