The STAR Collaboration is planning a number of compelling physics measurements in p+p, p+A, and A+A interactions that will extend well into the era when planned upgrades of the RHIC accelerator will increase the average luminosities for heavy ion and p+p interactions significantly over those achieved to date.

The review panel is asked to assess the ability of the STAR Time Projection Chamber, including planned upgrades of its front end electronics and readout, to meet the physics driven requirements
of the experimental program in the high luminosity era at RHIC.

Specifically, the panel is asked to asses the following issues:
Distortions

• Given the expected luminosities and projected TPC performance based on experience to date, will it continue to be possible to correct distortions at a level sufficient to meet the needs of the physics program?

• If the answer to a) is yes or yes possibly with additional instrumentation or a change in the TPCs operational envelope (e.g. use of a faster gas) what changes and/or additional instrumentation/monitoring may be needed?

For heavy ions, light ions, and p+p collisions is the pileup in the TPC manageable?

• Are the current and planned detectors which surround the TPC adequate?

• Is further software development required?

Is aging of the detector and its infrastructure – especially with higher trigger rates-- a "show stopping" concern? What level of concern exists for:

• Wire aging

• Field cages, membrane

• Aging of infrastructure (GG drivers, power supplies, controls, monitoring electronics, gas system, cooling system, lasers). Will the systems continue to operate and are there adequate spares?

What if any plans exist for R&D on improved performance and/or diagnostic tools?
Software:

• Is the current set of QA, calibration and tracking software adequate for the expected higher luminosities?

• Is there adequate manpower for continued operation and any new software development that may be required?

Is the projected level of manpower available to support the operation of the TPC adequate manpower for its:

• Operation

• Maintenance

• Calibration and analysis software