New RPC gas mixtures for sustainable operation in the CMS experiment

Abstract

The current operation of the Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC) system within the CMS experiment involves approximately 95% tetrafluoroethane (C2H2F4, TFE). However, in response to climate change concerns, the European Union has instituted a ban on TFE owing to its elevated Global Warming Potential, resulting in an associated increase in market prices. In this framework, shared endeavors within the RPC EcoGas@GIF++ Collaboration, have been dedicated to investigating novel ecological gaseous mixtures based on tetrafluoropropene (C3H2F4, HFO-1234ze) to ensure the sustainable functionality of RPCs. This contribution will delve into the performance outcomes derived from improved RPC gas gaps operating on HFO/CO2-based mixtures as ecologically viable alternatives, particularly in anticipation of the High Luminosity LHC phase (HL-LHC).