  We report on the results of an extensive R&D program aimed at the evaluation
of Thick-Gas Electron Multipliers (THGEM) as potential active elements for
Digital Hadron Calorimetry (DHCAL). Results are presented on efficiency, pad
multiplicity and discharge probability of a 10x10 cm2 prototype detector with 1
cm2 readout pads. The detector is comprised of single- or double-THGEM
multipliers coupled to the pad electrode either directly or via a resistive
anode. Investigations employing standard discrete electronics and the KPiX
readout system have been carried out both under laboratory conditions and with
muons and pions at the CERN RD51 test beam. For detectors having a
charge-induction gap, it has been shown that even a ~6 mm thick single-THGEM
detector reached detection efficiencies above 95%, with pad-hit multiplicity of
1.1-1.2 per event; discharge probabilities were of the order of 1e-6 - 1e-5
sparks/trigger, depending on the detector structure and gain. Preliminary beam
tests with a WELL hole-structure, closed by a resistive anode, yielded
discharge probabilities of <2e-6 for an efficiency of ~95%. Methods are
presented to reduce charge-spread and pad multiplicity with resistive anodes.
The new method showed good prospects for further evaluation of very thin
THGEM-based detectors as potential active elements for DHCAL, with competitive
performances, simplicity and robustness. Further developments are in course.
