In this work we have developed a prototype gaseous pixel detector by combining a micromegas grid with a Timepix3 chip for the readout. The micromegas foil supported by a matrix of pillars about 50 μm high was manually placed on top the chip. By placing a cathode foil above the chip an ionisation detector was created with a drift gap of 13.5 mm. The Timepix3 chip, thanks to the simultaneous measurement of the time-of-arrival (ToA) and charge via time-over-threshold (ToT) allows corrections to remaining timewalk effects, improving further the position resolution along the drift direction. We present the timewalk correction for Timepix3 chip obtained with real data from a particle beam and its impact on the tracking performance. The results obtained show a significant improvement on the position resolution for single-hits and tracks along the drift direction compared to previous experiments. ... Read more

The micro-pattern gaseous pixel detector, is a promising technology for imaging and particle tracking applications. It is a combination of a gas layer acting as detection medium and a CMOS pixelated readout-chip. As a prevention against discharges we deposit a protection layer on the chip and then integrate on top a micromegas-like amplification structure. With this technology we are able to reconstruct 3D track segments of particles passing through the gas thanks to the functionality of the chip. We have turned a Timepix3 chip into a gaseous pixel detector and tested it at the SPS at Cern. The preliminary results are promising and within the expectations. However, the spark protection layer needs further improvement to make reliable detectors. For this reason, we have created a setup for spark-testing. We present the first results obtained from the lab-measurements along with preliminary results from the testbeam. ... Read more