Gas amplification in single-wire cylindrical proportional counters

Abstract

Gas amplification in a cylindrical proportional counter has been measured for several argon-based gas mixtures. The gain was measured as a function of anode voltage and the gas composition and pressure. To this end, the necessary apparatus was designed and assembled. This included acquiring a proportional counter and radiation source, assembling a gas plumbing system, having a gas chamber and a mount for the counter constructed, and assembling an electronics system capable of analyzing the signals from the proportional counter. The apparatus proved capable of measuring gas amplification and some preliminary data was taken.