Recent R&D to improve the time resolution and rate capability of the Multigap Resistive Plate Chamber

In this study the results of tests performed at the T10 beam line at CERN on three novel MRPC detectors are reported. The tested detectors have different designs suited for different R&D goals: one detector has been built to improve the already excellent time resolution of the MRPC technology; the other two detectors have been designed and constructed to improve the MPRC rate capabilities. All the detectors are built maintaining the basic features of MRPCs: low price and ease of construction. The solutions adopted and described in this work for the time resolution improvement lead to a detection efficiency close to 100%, demonstrating the chamber functionality. To increase the MRPCs rate capabilities, a painted layer has been added to the surfaces of the MRPCs inner glass sheets. The measurements and tests performed showed that this solution can indeed increase the rate capability of the detector with respect to standard MRPC.