Detector, using point anode, minimizes problem of oblique tracks by permitting construction of very thin counter. Detector is useful in cosmic ray and high energy physics research and X-ray and neutron diffraction technology

Alvarez, L.

English

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1972	 B72-10034 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
Manned Spacecraft Center
	
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A Liquid Radiation Detector With High Spatial Resolution 
A radiation detector using a liquid argon or xenon 
electron multiplication medium may improve spatial 
resolution an order of magnitude or more over the 
present 0.5 millimeter. The device operates in a manner 
similar to conventional gas-filled detectors, but by using 
a dense liquid medium, it promises to meet all present 
or expected resolution requirements. 
Preliminary development, using a point anode, has

proven successful. In addition to improving resolution

over multi-wire or position sensitive counters using

charge division or rise-time, the point anode minimizes

the problem of oblique tracks by permitting the con-

struction of a very thin (one to five millimeter) counter.

Still in its early developmental stages, the system

has some disadvantages. Maximum observed efficiency

is currently 30 per cent in liquid xenon, and 1 to 2

per cent in liquid argon. This could pose a problem in

some applications, particularly medical. Liquid argon re-

quires a cryogenic environment, and liquid xenon is ex-

pensive and would require elaborate recovery equipment.

Despite its limitations, the liquid medium system

may prove to be a major development. In a two-dimen-
sional configuration, it could be a superior imaging de-
vice for X-rays, providing high speed and improved 
resolution. The intended and most obvious application 
is for cosmic ray and high energy physics research. Other 
uses exist in the area of X-ray and neutron diffraction 
technology. 
Note:
Requests for further information may be directed 
to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Marine dSpacecraft Center, Code JM7 
Houston, Texas 77050 
Reference: TSP72-1 0034 
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: L. Alvarez, et al.

University of California

under contract to

Manned Spacecraft Center

(MSC-13965) 
Category: 03 
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A liquid radiation detector with high spatial resolution

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