First results on MPGD prototypes in test beam for MPGD-based HCAL at a future Muon Collider experiment

The Multi-TeV Muon Collider will allow significant advancement in particle physics and in the understanding of its Standard Model for the era after the High-Luminosity LHC. The Muon Collider physics program involves precise Higgs boson sector measurements and TeV-scale new physics exploration. These goals demand accurate full-event reconstruction. The Particle Flow algorithm, which utilizes tracking, calorimeter, and muon detectors, is ideal for identifying and precisely estimating particle momenta/energies and can accomplish this task. Tracking detectors measure charged particle momenta, while calorimeters provide energy measurements for photons and neutral hadrons. Therefore, combining an exceptional tracking system with high-granularity calorimeters is essential. A major challenge is discerning μμ collision products from beam-induced-background, due to muon decay. To address this, an innovative hadronic calorimeter (HCAL) using Micro Pattern Gas Detectors (MPGDs) is proposed. MPGDs provide robust technology for high radiation and ensure precise spatial measurements. Dedicated studies are needed to assess and optimize the performance of an MPGD-based HCAL, including the development of medium-scale prototypes for performance measurements. This article describes the studies for a hadronic calorimeter based on MPGDs, relying on advanced technologies such as μ-rwell, resistive MicroMegas, and RPWELL. To assess the performance of MPGD detectors, a test beam was conducted in July 2023 at the Super Proton Synchrotron at CERN. This test beam aimed to evaluate the performance of MPGD detectors with 1×1 cm² pad readout under beam irradiation. Preliminary results from this test are presented.