Extended theorems for signal induction in particle detectors VCI 2004

Most particle detectors are based on the principle that charged particles leave a trail of ionization in the detector and that the movement of these charges in an electric field induces signals on the detector electrodes. Assuming detector elements that are insulating and electrodes with infinite conductivity one can calculate the signals with an electrostatic approximation using the so-called 'Ramo theorem'. This is the standard way for the calculation of signals e.g. in wire chambers and silicon detectors. In case the detectors contain resistive elements, which is, e.g. the case in resistive plate chambers or underdepleted silicon detectors, the time dependence of the signals is not only given by the movement of the charges but also by the time-dependent reaction of the detector materials. Using the quasistatic approximation of Maxwell's equations we present an extended formalism that allows the calculation of induced signals for detectors with general materials by time dependent weighting fields. As examples, we will discuss the signals in resistive plate chambers and underdepleted silicon detectors.