A Novel Self-supporting GEM-based Amplification Structure for a Time   Projection Chamber at the ILC
  Modern time projection chambers are increasingly based on micro pattern gas detector readout systems. In this paper a self-supporting method used to mount Gas Electron Multiplier foils is presented. It is based on light weight ceramic grids, and promises to cover large readout areas with minimum dead zones and material, while ensuring a flat and mechanically stable mounting. The structure has been tested in a Time Projection Chamber prototype, using cosmic muon tracks. The impact of the mounting structure on the charge measurement, the track reconstruction and the single point resolution is quantified. 
Ties Behnke, Ralf Diener, Christoph Rosemann, Lea Steder
physics.ins-det hep-ex