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Primary ionization cluster counting with low-pressure multistep detectors

Conference · · IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6177858
The authors describe a new method of Primary ionization Cluster Counting (PCC), using a low-pressure multistep counter coupled to a conversion volume. Due to the small density of the primary clusters in the low-pressure gas, and to the high gain of the multistep amplification structure, the clusters are efficiently counted. Taking advantage of the enhanced relativistic rise at low gas pressures, and the reduced interference from delta-electrons, the PCC can be efficiently applied to dE/dx relativistic charged particle identification. The authors present here preliminary results obtained with relativistic electrons and a UV laser. For minimum ionizing electrons we counted about 2 primary clusters/cm, at 20 Torr of isobutane. The distribution is poissonian. The PCC is shown to be an efficient tool for the study of the primary ionization process in gas media.
Research Organization:
Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot (IL)
OSTI ID:
6177858
Report Number(s):
CONF-881103-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci.; (United States) Journal Volume: 36:1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English