Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
1971
Abstract
A proportional counter is a device used to measure the energy spectra of charged particles and photons. The charged particle ionizes the gas molecules along its path. In the presence of a strong electric field, the electrons and ions are swept toward the collecting electrodes. The electric field strength is adjusted to a value such that the electrons on their way to the positive electrode cause further ionization. The total charge collected at the electrodes is proportional to the charge separated by the incident charged particle. This is in contrast to the Geiger counter where the electric field is strong enough that even one primary ion pair is sufficient to cause an electrical discharge that expands to fill the whole volume of the Geiger tube. In pulse ion chambers, on the other hand, the electric field is not high enough to cause any further ionization, thus only the charge separated by the radiation will be collected at the electrodes.
Recommended Citation
Brezovich, Ivan A., "The Correlation Between Electrical Pulses and Light Flashes in a Proportional Counter." (1971). All ETDs from UAB. 6987.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/6987
Comments
MS - Master of Science/Master of Surgery; ProQuest publication number 31751907