Monte Carlo simulation of xenon filled cylindrical proportional counters

Conference · Mon Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States)

OSTI ID:6884231

Rachinhas, P J.B.M.; Dias, T H.V.T.; Santos, F P; Conde, C A.N. ^[1]; Stauffer, A D ^[2]

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1. Univ. of Coimbra (Portugal). Physics Dept.
2. York Univ., Toronto, Ontario (Canada). Physics Dept.

Single electron avalanche processes in a xenon filled cylindrical proportional counter have been simulated using a detailed Monte Carlo technique. The avalanche gain A and its average value M, as well as its frequency distribution and spread parameter b have been calculated for xenon at atmospheric pressure, for a 2.55 cm cathode radius and 12.5 and 50 [mu]m anode radii. A discussion is made of the result obtained for M as a function of the anode voltage in terms of prevailing theories. It is found that Monte Carlo calculated M values are markedly lower than those obtained analytically using the first Townsend ionization coefficient calculated under a uniform field. This puts into evidence the relevance of the non-equilibrium nature of avalanche processes.

• OSTI ID: 6884231
• Report Number(s): CONF-931051--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers); (United States) Journal Volume: 41:4Pt1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

440101* -- Radiation Instrumentation-- General Detectors or Monitors & Radiometric Instruments
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
CALCULATION METHODS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ENERGY RESOLUTION
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MONTE CARLO METHOD
PROPORTIONAL COUNTERS
RADIATION DETECTORS
RESOLUTION
SIMULATION
TOWNSEND DISCHARGE