Vibration-proof high-pressure xenon electroluminescence detector

Abstract

We have developed a high-pressure electroluminescence (EL) detector consisting of a cathode, 5 drift rings, and an EL-generating structure which defines a sensitive volume of ∅5cm x 5cm. The EL-generating structure consists of two parallel-plate, chemically etched grids and a high-pressure optical window which is optically coupled to an external photomultiplier tube. Ionizing radiation that is absorbed in the sensitive volume generates electrons, which drift into the EL region and produce an EL flash. The detector was filled with 20bar Xe gas that was highly purified (>1 msec electron-life time) using a spark purification technique. In order to evaluate the potential for using an EL detector under adverse conditions, we disturbed the detector using a 10 W electric engraver working at 60 Hz. The action of the engraver had practically no effect on spectra acquired from an 241 Am source. I. ChannelsCounts 0-7803-8257

A new technique for gaseous gamma ray detectors: The multigrid high pressure xenon gas proportional scintillation counter

“…The existing HPXe detectors described in the literature lie along three main types: ionization chambers [6], proportional ionization counters [7] and proportional scintillation counters [8]. While ionization chambers offer the best energy resolution [1], they are very sensitive to microphonic noise which degrades the performance in field work.…”

“…Moreover this kind of detector does not require the complexity of photomultipliers or other photosensors, nor optical windows necessary as in standard high pressure gas proportional scintillation counters [8]. This ruggedized detector can present large detection areas (up to thousands of cm 2 ), with the outside walls at ground potential.…”