A. Svensson et al., FUNDAMENTAL MECHANISMS DETERMINING THE PERFORMANCE OF GAS PROPORTIONAL DETECTORS, Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section B, Beam interactions with materials and atoms, 88(4), 1994, pp. 465-469
The average ionic charge created in Ar, Kr and Xe as a result of X-ray
photoabsorption has been determined using time-of-flight mass spectro
scopy in conjunction with synchrotron radiation (XTOFS). Measurements
were carried out at the Ni K edge, 1.5 angstrom. Calculations predicti
ng the degree of electron multiplication expected from inelastic colli
sions in the gas at atmospheric pressures have been performed. Theory
is found to be in agreement with present experimental findings. The es
timated total electron yield in the gas is a guide in the determinatio
n of the efficiency of a gas proportional counter. Xenon gas is found
to be the preferred candidate.