Micro-pattern gaseous detectors in high-energy and astroparticle physics

Introduced in the late 70s of the last century, a new generation of position-sensitive sensors named micro-pattern gaseous detectors (MPGDs) allows to detect and localize ionizing radiation with sub-mm accuracy and high-rate capability. Performing and reliable, MPGDs are gradually replacing detection systems based on multiwire proportional chambers, and find applications in particle physics, astrophysics, plasma diagnostics and other fields.