Study of the high rate performance of the MicroCAT detector

Abstract The recently developed micro-pattern detectors (CAT, MIRCOMEGAS, GEM, MicroCAT, etc.) are a very promising enrichment for applications with gaseous x-ray detectors. In order to determine their suitability for imaging measurements using strong x-ray sources, in particular synchrotron light sources, the high rate capability has to be considered carefully. Here, a study of the high rate performance of the MicroCAT detector is presented, focusing on the four major high rate parameters: dead time effects, space charge effects, gas gain stability and rate-induced breakdowns.