The Thick Gas Electron Multiplier and its derivatives: Physics, technologies and applications

The Thick Gas Electron Multiplier (THGEM) is a robust high-gain gas-avalanche electron multiplier – building block of variety radiation detectors. It can be manufactured economically by standard printed-circuit drilling and etching technology. We present detailed review the THGEM its derivatives. focus on physics phenomena that govern their operation performances under different conditions. Technological aspects associated with production these detectors current potential applications are discussed.